Welcome to episode 47 of the Ask Sri Vishwanath show. Today I want to speak to you about habits and how great people from great habits. What is the right attitude towards forming great habits?
Today’s question is from Giri. Giri writes: “I keep making resolutions but I keep failing. I find that I make a little progress but then I lapse. I start with a great deal of enthusiasm but then it withers away. What am I doing wrong?”
Habits
Thanks for the question it’s a great one! This is so common. I would say that over 80% of people I speak to have this problem so you’re not alone.
I need you to pay attention here because this is important. Krishna says that we need to drop the word “habit” from your minds. Krishna says that a habit is an effect. The fact that you are focusing on habits is hindering your progress.
Habit is an effect and the cause of this effect is Gunas. Krishna says “focus on Gunas.” Drop the word “habit”, erase it from your mind. It doesn’t exist anymore! Now replace it with the word “Gunas”. If you want to form great habits you must focus on Gunas. You must create a new Gunas.
Sattvic Gunas
Krishna says that there are 3 types of Gunas. The first is Sattvic Gunas. This helps you form great habits, in the right places at the right time. Being able to form great habits, in the right places at the right time will greatly benefit you as well as the rest of the world. With a Sattvic Gunas you’ll be able to do this instantly.
People who are Sattvic Gunas share the following traits: gratitude, sacrifice, renunciation and detachment. These are qualities that benefit themselves and the rest of the world. Sattvic Gunas allows you to be selfless. You’ll give before taking and you’ll be detached from the problems that plague others.
Rajasic Gunas
People who are Rajasic Gunas form habits based on based on selfish interests. Wealthy people and people in the corporate world tend to be Rajasic Gunas. They think and do for themselves. They are also excellent at forming habits and achieving goals. They are concerned for themselves and maybe a few close friends but they are not concerned about the wider world and its problems.
Rajasic Gunas will help you achieve your goals but it may also restrict you in wider sense. You won’t feel on top of the world. You won’t get that buzz that comes from being concerned about and helping others. Remember feeling great is just as important as achieving your goals.
Tamas Gunas
Finally people who are Tamas Gunas form habits based on their mood. These types tend to start the day full of enthusiasm but it wears off as the day goes on. This is what happens when you’re reliant on your moods.
So these are the three Gunas: Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamas. According to Krishna these are the basis of thinking and habit forming. These are what make us think and react. They drive everything we do. Krishna says “Works on all sides are done by the constituents of Prakarti……He who is deluded thinks I am the agent….”
Every action and reaction the world over is caused by Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamas Gunas. They are prevalent in every soul on this planet. They drive all thoughts and habits. An abundance of Sattvic Gunas will allow to form habits instantly. Rajasic Gunas will allow you to excel where your goals will benefit yourself but not necessarily others around you and Tamasic Gunas allows you to start off well but you means won’t be able to hold on to your success.
Think of it like an empty pocket. You can search as much as you want but you won’t find anything. People think they can form great habits but they don’t understand that habit is an effect and the cause is Gunas.
If you have a Tamas Gunas then you’ll always be a slave to your moods and you will never be completely happy. A Tamas person will never be able to form a Sattvic habit. It’s not possible. Understanding this will be the difference between success and failure.
Embrace the Jiva
I want to show you a powerful way to create a Sattvic Gunas even if you have an abundance of Tamas or Rajasic Gunas. Krishna says to create a Sattvic Gunas you must not use your body, mind and intellect. You must fall back on your Jiva consciousness. This is the only way to create a Sattvic Gunas. This in turn will help you form great habits and will ensure you achieve your goals.
When you make the decision to move towards and embrace the jiva consciousness you’ll create an abundance of Sattvic Gunas and you’ll be able to form habits instantly.
I’d like you to spend time meditating on a couple of verses:
“Even if among sinners you’re the worst of sinners with this raft of knowledge you’ll attain me.
Just as fire burns everything to ashes the fire of the knowledge of Brahman destroys all worlds to ashes”
“Nothing in this world of manifestation exists as purifying as knowledge of Brahman perfected in yoga in course of time one wins knowledge..
I want you to meditate on these four versus every morning so you won’t have to worry about Tamasic Gunas. This is the knowledge you have to gain. Write down the verses and repeat them to yourself.
Also consider meditating over this verse:
“The Sage neither hates, light, action, delusion, when they appear nor seek them when they disappear. Seated as if indifferent, he is not disturbed by constituents, he stirs not is of steadfast resolve holding that constituents alone prevail”
When the wave comes don’t worry about it. You know now that you have this consciousness this ocean inside of you. The sage doesn’t worry so neither should you. You have the Jiva. If you fall back on it you’ll be set free.
You are the ocean. You have the power. You are free to form great habits.
I hope this answered your question. Remember you keep asking questions and I’ll keep answering them.
