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Jigyasu - जिज्ञासु

The Lifelong Learner

The Black Crow

In Jigyasus are represented by the crow because like a crow, they are very clever, have an amazing memory, and are good communicators.

Clever

Crows are extremely intelligent birds, known as, “the Einstein of the bird world.” Clever crows use tools to solve complex problems, such as how to crack a nut. They have been observed dropping hard shelled nuts on the road, so that cars passing by can crack them. Then once the road is safe, the clever crow picks up the nut and eats it. This demonstrates the crow’s ability for complex learning and thinking, such as weighing out the risks and rewards before making a decision.

Excellent Memory

Researchers found that crows never forget a face. This indicates a high degree of cognitive ability and memory. In fact, crows are known to hold a grudge. For example, when a crow encounters a person who threatens them, the clever crow will teach the other crows how to identify that person. Not only can crows recognize faces to differentiate between predatory and benign species, but also they have been known to change entire migration patterns to avoid farms where crows have been killed in the past.

Good Communicator

Crows are expert communicators, using a variety of vocalizations and body language to communicate with one another. This helps them to coordinate their actions and avoid predators. Not only do crows remember the faces of people, but also they spread the news to other crows if the person represents a threat.

Sanskrit Meaning

  • The Sanskrit term "jigyasu" is the desiderative form derived from the root word "jna," signifying " to inquire" or " to seek knowledge."

  • Jigyasu refers to a person who has a strong desire or curiosity to learn and acquire knowledge. 

  • In Hindu philosophy, jigyasu is used to describe a seeker of spiritual knowledge; someone who is dedicated to the pursuit of the ultimate truth and wisdom.

  • In the Indian scriptures, both the Vedas and Upanishads, the jigyasu is described as one who asks deep and profound questions, and seeks answers from gurus or spiritual teachers.

Jigyasu’s Superpowers

Jigyasus are lifelong learners, due to their insatiable desire to know. They are excellent students because they are so smart, which naturally drives a curiosity in them. This quest to know the answers to such deep and profound questions such as, “Who am I? What is the purpose of my life? What happens to me after I die?” often leads them on to a spiritual path.

Jigyasus are also excellent communicators, and often gravitate to the role of a teacher, sharing their vast and deep knowledge in a unique and creative way.

Jigyasu in Different States of Mind

The nature of the human mind is that it fluctuates between three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas. Detailed below is what the Jigyasu's mind might look like in each of the three states.

Sattva 

Peaceful. Clear.

Their sharp intelligence and curious nature drives them to always be questioning things, and seeking new information. Their superb memories make them soak up the new things they learn very easily. They make difficult concepts easy to understand, even if they are not a teacher. They tend towards being interested in and knowledgeable about their chosen spiritual path.

Rajas 

Passionate. Active.

Their passion to know can drive them to stay up too late or work too long without taking the proper breaks or rest. They ask a lot of questions, but the questions may be off-topic and rambling, which can be annoying to others. In their excitement about learning something new, they can tend to commit to too much, and are not able to complete it all. They compete with other students, or even the teacher, by trying to show off how much they know.

Tamas

Lethargic. Confused.

Asks confused questions. They ramble before they ever get to the question, and then the question itself is not clear or precise. They do not realize how confused they are, nor how annoying they are to others, including their teacher or classmates. They do not pick up on the subtle hints that the teacher tries to give them about stopping their confused questioning.

Discover Your Mind Type

Want to know how your svabhāva is perceived by others?

Take the Know Your Nature e-course, instructed by Babaji, to learn more about how others perceive you, your blind spots, and how to know when you are out of balance. 

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You are in The Uplifters Svabhāva Group

The Uplifters are the academic types. They derive happiness from gaining and sharing knowledge. Their nature is to naturally uplift people by giving and receiving knowledge, in the form of being a teacher, student, or healer. 

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