Elements of Human Instinct

It may be safe to say that ‘Human Being’ is the supreme creation of all living beings with the ability to garner knowledge, display intellect and express emotions.

Yet, it is fascinating to observe that unlike any other living species on this earth, no two human beings are the same. Not just physical appearance or mental abilities, every human being displays a unique set of characteristics in reaction to the same situation.

Have you ever observed that, in a certain circumstance, the same problem extracts different reactions from different people? Some people process the situation in a calm manner and give delayed yet sensible reactions. While others rush through the situation without giving proper thought to the implications of the consequences. And then there are others, who remain unaffected. They neither react nor do they carry any lessons home.

These are just three types of people that have been elaborated here for the sake of understanding. But it is not difficult to conclude that every mind is differently abled as far as the ability to probe into a problem is concerned and draw conclusions about the cause and effect that lead to a situation. 

Why is there such stark distinction in the qualifications of human mind? Well, it is due to different qualification of each mind.

The Three Vital Qualifications Of Human Conscience

Satoguna

It is that qualification of conscience that causes one to live a life of truth, compassion and consideration)

Rajoguna

It is that element of conscience that makes one crave for a life with authority and dictation)

Tamoguna

The innate characteristic that lays emphasis on living life with eat, drink and make merry attitude.

Composition of Human Instincts

No person holds only one qualification in their conscience. Every human being holds all the three qualifications within them, albeit in different proportions.

Almost all human instinct is dependent on the variable composition of Satoguna, Rajoguna and Tamoguna.

It’s like from science point of view, even minutest of differences in two peoples DNA can cause the physical, emotional and mental characteristics to be different two people. Two siblings may have some similar physical characteristics, but they form a unique personality. Similarly, no two people have the same composition of the three qualifications of Human Conscience.

For those who believe in re-birth, and concept of karma, they understand the reason for different composition comprising Satoguna, Rajoguna and Tamoguna way more easily. Because they know that whatever we do, the effect of it leaves some impression on our substratum (soul). And the impact of these impressions, governs the variation in the proportion in which the three qualifications of human conscience exist.

The Concept of Sanskar

It is believed by sages and clairvoyants that there is an element of our existence that is indestructible. Referred to as substratum or the soul, it carries the impressions of our habits, knowledge and deeds. In subsequent re-incarnations, these impressions make up for our natural instincts. These instincts in all totality are designated as Sanskars in our scriptures.

All individuals are guided through the journey of their birth and rebirth through their Sanskars, which play a fundamental role in determining the thought process, worldly deeds and needs.

It will now be easy to understand that the three qualifications of conscience are primarily the determinants of the Sanskar that a person holds.  A mixture of the three in varied proportions results in individual characteristics such as instincts, intensions, habits, ethics and personal priorities.

Instincts That Govern Judgment

Our perception of a situation and the subsequent judgment of our reaction are governed by two instincts

  1. Relativity
  2. Intellect

We as individuals tend to use these two instincts as per our convenience and  most likely move away from the truth and unanimity.

One must note that it is the understanding of unanimity that keeps one on the path of truth. And if we are not accurate in our instincts then we most likely move away from being true to ourselves.  And the consequence is that we are most likely to invite fear, worries and anxiety.

The best analogy would be the saying that we have all grown up with,

“When you speak the truth, you sleep peacefully. While to cover one lie, you might have to say another hundred lies.”

It is the unanimity of truth that keeps the mind and soul in peace.

There is enough literature that helps us understand the instincts of mind and how they can be controlled. But it is only through self assessment that one can develop a healthy perception of the virtues to follow to achieve unanimity in the functioning of the brain. In the chapter that will follow, we will be exploring these very virtues and intentions that will help one discharge their duties truthfully with concern and conscientiousness.

I am participating in the #AtoZChallenge2020 with #BlogchatterA2Z.

The thoughts and ideas described above are the wisdom of Dr. Surender Sagar.

Dr. Surender Sagar is a retired Deputy Regional Director from Department of Atomic Energy. He is MSc in Geology and Phd in Volcanic Sciences.

He has contributed Research Papers on Uranium in Indian as well as International journals.

After his retirement, he is ardently pursuing the path of spirituality propagated by Reverent Baba Kehar Singhji Maharaj (Radha Swami Math, Tarantaran in Punjab). This work of his is an amalgamation of lessons he has learnt from his Guru, and by observing his own life and the lives of those around him.

4 Replies to “Abiding Human Instinct and Its Elements – #BlogchatterA2Z”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *