The Choice Within: Why Do Good People Do Bad Things?

Have you ever found yourself drawn to something you know isn't good for you? That internal struggle between right and wrong is a universal human experience. Bhagavad Gita, explores this very question in Chapter 3, Verse 36. Here, Arjuna, a noble warrior, asks Krishna, the divine charioteer:

अर्जुन उवाच |अथ केन प्रयुक्तोऽयं पापं चरति पूरुष: |अनिच्छन्नपि वार्ष्णेय बलादिव नियोजित: || 36||

arjuna uvāchaatha kena prayukto ’yaṁ pāpaṁ charati pūruṣhaḥanichchhann api vārṣhṇeya balād iva niyojitaḥ

"Why is a person impelled to sinful acts, even unwillingly, as if by force?"

This verse delves into the force that compels us towards negativity, even when we know better. The blog post sheds light on this concept by contrasting two characters: Arjuna and Duryodhana.

Duryodhana: The Reluctant Sinner

Duryodhana, the antagonist of the story, embodies a state of helpless resignation. He acknowledges his wrongdoings but claims an irresistible force within him compels his actions. This force could represent desires, greed, or other negative emotions that cloud our judgment. Duryodhana lacks the will to change, making him unreceptive to spiritual guidance.

दुर्योधन उवाच । जानामि धर्मं न च मे प्रवृत्ति-

र्जानामि पापं न च मे निवृत्तिः ।

केनापि देवेन हृदि स्थितेन यथा नियुक्तोऽस्मि तथा करोमि ॥ ५७॥

"I know what is right (Dharma), but I lack the inclination to follow it. I know what is wrong (papam/Adharma), but I cannot stop myself from doing it. As if driven by some god residing within my heart, I act according to its dictates."

Here, Duryodhana acknowledges the difference between right and wrong but blames an external force, a "god residing in his heart," for his actions. This reflects a lack of personal responsibility and a resistance to confronting the true source of the negativity: his own desires.

Arjuna: The Willing Seeker

Arjuna, on the other hand, exemplifies the power of seeking change. He recognizes the internal conflict and actively seeks answers. This yearning to improve is crucial for any positive transformation. The blog post emphasizes this point, highlighting how self-improvement tools like positive thinking, self-help books, listening to podcasts and ethical teachings only become effective when accompanied by a genuine desire for change.

The Root of Desire and the Anger Within

The Bhagavad Gita delves deeper into the connection between desire and anger. The speaker asks:

Why do people act against their own will, even spiritual seekers? Why do they struggle to progress and fall back from their spiritual path? The answer:.

श्रीभगवानुवाच |काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भव: ||महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम् || 37||

śhrī bhagavān uvācha kāma eṣha krodha eṣha rajo-guṇa-samudbhavaḥmahāśhano mahā-pāpmā viddhyenam iha vairiṇam

It is kama (craving) and krodha (anger) born of Rajoguna (the impulse of action), all-consuming due to it's insatiable appetite and all-evil. Know this as the enemy here.

Here's an interesting point about the language used. In Sanskrit grammar, there's a "dual number" for referring to two things. Earlier, we saw "raga (attachment)" and "dvesha (aversion)" used separately, so the text employed the dual 'raga' and 'dvesha' to describe them as a pair, the enemies. But here, with "kama" and "krodha," the singular form "kama esha, krodha esha" is used instead of the expected dual "kama krodhu." Why? Because the text suggests they are not truly separate entities.

Desire: The Seed of Anger

The reason is profound: desire is the root from which anger grows. When our desires go unfulfilled, frustration sets in, transforming into anger. The Upanishads, ancient Indian scriptures, tell us that true joy comes from the infinite, not the limited world. We chase fleeting pleasures in the limited because we are unaware of our own infinite nature. This ignorance fuels our desires, leading us to believe that accumulating more and more finite things will bring lasting happiness.

Ramakrishna, a 19th-century Hindu mystic, used the analogy of adding zeros: no matter how many zeros you add, they remain valueless until you place a one in front. Similarly, our desires (zeros) can never bring fulfillment unless we connect them to the one – the divine, our true Self (Brahman).

Every desire we hold is ultimately a desire for something external (anatman), not for our true Self. This longing for the external can never be truly satisfied. It's like pouring ghee (clarified butter) on a fire; the flames only grow larger. The more desires we fulfill, the more they multiply. Our capacity for true fulfillment actually shrinks as we go through life.

The True Enemy: Craving and Anger

Beyond the concept of external forces, the Gita also identifies the root cause of negativity within ourselves. The following section explores this concept:

Many spiritual traditions recognize a powerful internal enemy that hinders our progress. In the Gita, this enemy is identified as kama (craving) and krodha (anger). These cravings are insatiable and lead us towards sin. Understanding them as the true enemy is crucial for spiritual growth.

Across religions, this enemy is often personified as a devilish figure: Satan in Christianity, Ahriman in Zoroastrianism, and Shaitan in Islam. These externalizations can be misleading. The true battle is not against external forces, but against the cravings and anger that reside within us.

Early Christian Desert Fathers, known for their intense spiritual practices, provide a historical example. Their struggles against "demons" can be interpreted as battles against their own desires and aversions. These "demons" are not external entities, but manifestations of raga (attachment) and dvesha (aversion), the forces that bind us to the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

In essence, Vedanta philosophy emphasizes that kama and krodha are not external demons, but aspects of our own nature – the negative forces within our svabhava (inherent disposition). Overcoming these internal forces is essential for spiritual liberation.

The Gita offers a way out of this cycle of unfulfilled desires. By understanding that cravings and anger stem from a deeper ignorance of our true nature, we can begin to weaken their hold on us. Through self-awareness, spiritual practices, and a yearning for liberation, we can cultivate a connection to our infinite Self and experience lasting joy.

Tools to Tame the Fire: Combating Cravings and Anger

An understanding and acknowledgement of the internal enemies – kama (craving) and krodha (anger) – that hinder our spiritual progress, is only the first step. The true challenge lies in overcoming these deeply ingrained patterns. Let us delve into some practical strategies to combat negative urges, cultivate self-awareness, and ignite a genuine desire for self-improvement.

Conquering Cravings:

• Identify Your Triggers: The first step is to understand what sparks your cravings. Are there certain situations, emotions, or people that make you more susceptible? Recognizing your triggers empowers you to anticipate and avoid them, or develop healthier coping mechanisms.

• Practice Delayed Gratification:  Our instant gratification culture fuels cravings. Learn to resist the urge to fulfill a desire immediately. Delaying gratification allows you to assess if the desire is truly aligned with your long-term goals.

• Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation, introspection and mindful breathing cultivate present-moment awareness. By observing your cravings without judgment, you can detach from their hold and make conscious choices.

• Cultivate Contentment: True happiness doesn't stem from external things. Practice gratitude for what you already have. Explore activities that bring you a sense of inner peace and fulfillment, such as spending time in nature, with loved ones or pursuing hobbies.

Taming the Flames of Anger:

• Recognize the Signs: Anger often manifests physically – increased heart rate, tense muscles, or a clenched jaw. Learn to recognize these early warning signs and take a moment to calm yourself before reacting (responding).

• Express Yourself Assertively: Bottling up anger can be detrimental. However, there's a difference between assertive communication and letting anger dictate your words. Express your feelings calmly and rationally, focusing on the issue at hand.

• Practice Forgiveness: Holding onto anger only hurts you. Forgiveness doesn't condone the other person's actions; it allows you to release the negativity and move on.

• Develop Emotional Intelligence:  Understanding your emotions and their triggers empowers you to manage them effectively. Explore journaling or speaking/sharing/discussing to/with someone you trust or feel comfortable with, to delve deeper into your emotional landscape.

The Spark Within: Cultivating a Desire for Change

Often, the biggest hurdle is igniting a genuine desire for self-improvement. Here are some tips:

• Find Your Inspiration:  Seek out role models or spiritual teachers who embody the qualities you aspire to cultivate. Read inspirational stories or watch documentaries about personal transformation.

• Set Achievable Goals:  Break down your long-term goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrating small victories keeps you motivated and reinforces positive change.

• Focus on the Benefits:  Visualize the positive outcomes of overcoming negativity. How will your life be better with greater self-control and inner peace?

• Find a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with positive and like-minded people who encourage your growth.

The Gita reminds us that the battle against negativity is an ongoing journey. By employing these strategies and fostering a genuine desire for change, we can weaken the hold of cravings and anger, and cultivate a life filled with greater peace and purpose.

Remember, this roadmap is a starting point. Explore different techniques and find what works best for you. As you embark on this journey of self-discovery, you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself and unlock your full potential.

Where Does the Fire Start?

We delved into the root causes of our internal enemies, kama (craving) and krodha (anger). By understanding their origin, we can begin to dismantle the mechanisms that perpetuate negativity within us. In our next blog post, we'll delve deeper into the source of these disruptive emotions. We'll explore the concept of ahankara (ego) and its role in fuelling desires and anger. We'll also examine the impact of the external world on our internal state, and how to cultivate discernment to navigate them effectively.

Stay tuned to learn how to address the root causes of negativity and embark on your journey towards a more peaceful and fulfilling life.