Thought 122: About Vaasanas

Every individual possesses a separate and distinct nature, which expresses itself in a unique manner. This inherent tendency, this innate bent of mind, this unique aptitude, and this individualistic nature, characteristic to a person, is what we call a Samskaara (in Vedaanta). sed. Samskaaras are known as Vaasanas – when you carry them forward to the next Janma. And we do carry our Samskaaras from one Janma to the next. Like the software programs in a computer, Vaasanas remain with you no matter how many births you take – until you throw them out (erase) them.

Vaasanas, which are subtle impressions on the mind, are responsible for your unique personality; Vaasanas are the nucleus of your personality. You are the substantial form of your insubstantial Vaasanas. Vaasana literally means a fragrance. Your Vaasanas are your individual and unique fragrances.

In a Hindu temple, for instance, the idol of the deity is located in the innermost of the three enclosures (Praakaaras). The Puujaari burns camphor (which has a unique fragrance) to light up the idol, which is in darkness in the inner most enclosure. When the camphor burns shedding its fragrance, God (idol) becomes visible to the devotees. In a human body too, the self is surrounded by three enclosures (Stuula, Suukshma and Kaarana Sareeras). Just like in the temple, here too, the self, which is in the inner most of these three material layers, becomes visible only, when you shed your unique fragrances by burning your Vaasanas. The Vaasanas get burnt up in the fire of knowledge of the self. In this sense, Deham (body) is a Devaalayam (temple).

Thoughts, desires and actions emanate from your Vaasanas in the same way that sounds emanate from the grooves of a gramophone record. As long as Vaasanas exist in you, thoughts desires and actions will constantly flow out of you. You cannot abstain from action while the Vaasanas are still present in you.

The Vaasanas are the result of past actions. At the same time, Vaasanas also become the cause - and action becomes the result. This cycle goes on like the seed and the tree or the egg and the hen. This is the cause and effect phenomenon in action. Thus,

• Past actions produce the present Vaasanas
• Present Vaasanas produce future actions

The next thought is about Vaasanas drive you helplessly to commit sin.