Arishadvargas
In Hindu theology, Arishadvarga are the six passions[1] of mind or desire: kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobh (greed), moha (attachment), mada or ahankar (pride) and matsarya (jealousy);[2] the negative characteristics of which prevent man from attaining moksha or salvation.
These are the fundamental tenets of Kali Yuga. The more each individual fights them, the longer will be the life of dying Dharma in this yuga.
- kama — lust
- krodha — anger
- lobh — greed
- moha — delusory emotional attachment or temptation
- mada or ahankara — pride, hubris
- matsarya — envy, jealousy
According to the Hindu scriptures, Kama and krodha or lust and anger are responsible for all kinds of difficult experiences which we have in our lives.
With mada or ahankar, the false ego up and active, all our acting in the world becomes selfish. Hence there is no other factor causing the illusory duality of differentiating between 'us' and 'them' and the repeated pain and delusion it entails than the psychological ego-sense. When the materially identified ego has sided with the materialistic forces of creation (Maya), it is said to have the following faults: kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya. Also called evil passions, man's Spiritual heritage constantly gets looted by these internal thieves (and their numerous variations), causing him to lose knowledge of his True Being.
If a person is virtually a prisoner of arishadvargas (the six internal enemies of kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya), then his life is totally governed by the destiny. As a person moves ahead on the path of Self-Realization, the grip of the destiny over him loosens and he gets more and more leverage to change his destiny. When a person identifies himself with the Self, then, he becomes part of the destiny power. His power of mere sankalpa is good enough to materialize and change any situation either for good or bad according to his sankalpa.
Through bhakti and renunciation, these 6 vices can be overcome. The great Vaishnava Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu exhorted, "Krishna Nama Sankirtan" i.e. the constant chanting of the Lord's name is the supreme healer in Kali Yuga. It destroys sins and purifies the hearts through Bhakti ensures universal peace.
References
- ↑ Shankaracharyar Granthabali, Basumati publication (Kolkata: 1995), Volume 3
- ↑ Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam, ed. India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 69.