Ted Schmidt On Vasanas,samskaras And Karma...

Here is a link and eloquent explanation by Ted Schmidt of the intricacies of vasanas, karma and samskaras.

http://www.nevernotpresent.com/satsangs/vasanas-samskaras-and-karma/


Vasanas are impressions or imprints created in the subconscious mind when actions are performed without Awareness or mechanically as in a state of unconsciousness.

For example, if one takes coffee at 3 p.m consecutively for a week, he will habitually try to take coffee again on the eighth day.

This is the force of habit created by the vasanas or impressions in the subconscious mind generated by unconscious action repeatedly done.

Bad habits are bad actions performed consistently to the point that they become habitual due to a deeply entrenched groove of vasanas or impressions in the mind.

Similarly with good habits, which are but good actions performed consistently to the point that they become habitual .

Addictions to sex, drugs, alcohol and others are very strong deeply embedded vasanas or impressions in the unconscious mind, which force one to keep on performing the same act again and again relentlessly even if one may know and understand its undesirability .

Hence Paramahamsa Yogananda has stated thus,"Be careful what you choose to do consciously, for unless your will is very strong, that is what you may have to do repeatedly and compulsively through the habit-influencing power of the subconscious mind."

Harvey Mackay had also stated thus, "Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, and a lot more rewarding. "

By consciously performing the right and proper action at the right time, one creates good habits and forges a good character for oneself in the process.

Bad habits are improper actions done consciously due to ignorance or unconsciously , and which can end up as a bad character.

Thus knowing the effect of vasanas, and creation of habits, one can consciously overcome negative habits and replace them with positive habits and create a better character by putting in the right effort and smart work.

At the same time vasanas, whether bad or good, are both bondages in itself and one has to go beyond both for perceiving the truth or whole as it is , without any conditioning, bad or good.

Awareness or total love destroys vasanas and karma, and enables one to respond to the moment accurately, and not reactively by the force of habit due to entrenced vasanas.

 

so what