MIND MYSTERIES & CONTROL - 22. ATTRACTION & REPULSION - RAGA & DVESHA - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control

THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 22. ATTRACTION & REPULSION - RAGA & DVESHA - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

Swami Sivananda's teachings in Chapter 22 of *The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control* delve deeply into the dual forces of **Raga (Attraction)** and **Dvesha (Repulsion)**, which he identifies as fundamental currents of the mind. These two opposing tendencies, along with indifference, are pivotal thought waves that bind human beings to the relentless cycle of Samsara—the wheel of birth, death, and rebirth. Swami Sivananda expounds on their origin, nature, effects, and methods to transcend their influence to attain peace, freedom, and self-realization. 

Attraction and Repulsion: The Cause of Bondage  
The mind, according to Swami Sivananda, is trapped by the twin forces of attraction and repulsion, which he describes as "the essential nature of bondage." These forces are not characteristics of the spirit but are deeply rooted in the nature of the mind. All emotions stem from these dual currents, which perpetuate cycles of pleasure and pain, happiness and sorrow. Attraction (Raga) towards what one desires and repulsion (Dvesha) from what one dislikes are responsible for the highs and lows of human experience.   The Bhagavad Gita aptly summarizes this concept, stating: “But the disciplined (lower) self, moving among sense-objects with senses free from attraction and repulsion and mastered by the Higher Self, goeth to peace.”   When these tendencies are eradicated from the mind, an individual can achieve a state where happiness and sorrow no longer affect them.

Selfish Love and Divine Love  
Swami Sivananda distinguishes between two kinds of love: selfish, physical love and divine, unselfish love. The former is rooted in attachment and dependence, causing bondage and suffering. In contrast, divine love is free from attachment and arises from a sense of oneness with all beings.   Physical love, born out of selfishness, creates "slave mentality" and weakens the will. It is transient and fraught with pain. Swami Sivananda advises cutting the ties of attachment with the sword of non-attachment to cultivate true divine love—a love that reflects the eternal and unchanging nature of the self.   This love arises when one sees the divine in others, recognizing them as an extension of oneself. A Vedantic aspirant or a true devotee is capable of this unselfish love. Attachment, Swami Sivananda warns, is as painful as repulsion, as both are bound to create suffering. For instance, attachment to a loved one can lead to immense sorrow when separated from them. Similarly, pleasure derived from material objects fosters attachment, which, in turn, causes pain when the object is unavailable.  

The Hidden Tormentors: Fear and Anger  
Fear and anger are subtle companions of attraction. When an individual is attached to something, fear of losing it arises. For example, attachment to wealth creates a fear of poverty, while attachment to loved ones creates a fear of separation or death. Anger, on the other hand, manifests when desires are thwarted or attachments are threatened.   Swami Sivananda explains that these emotions constantly agitate the mind, making peace and freedom unattainable. To overcome this cycle, one must root out attachment and repulsion, as they are the seeds from which fear, anger, and other negative emotions grow.

The Different States of Attraction and Repulsion  
Attraction and repulsion exist in four distinct states:
1. **Burnt Up:** In fully developed yogis, these tendencies are eradicated through advanced meditative absorption. They are like burnt seeds that can no longer sprout.
2. **Attenuated or Thinned Out:** In yogis who are still practicing, these tendencies exist in a weakened form and are under control.
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