Tamas - Passive
Slow. Unsure. Inactive.
Tamasic mind types tend towards lethargy, confusion and indecisiveness. They are slow, and like to accumulate things. They might feel misunderstood or hurt because others perceive them as self-centered, stuck or pessimistic.
Wise Words from Babaji
"A tamasic mind is not very clear about the purpose of life or he is very slow in making decisions. He is a slow learner and doesn't have much interest in cultivating knowledge. He may like to sleep a lot and feel lethargic, and has a tendency to procrastinate."
- Babaji, Change Your Mind in 21 Days
Practical Tips from Dr. Joshi
"You can make your mind feel a lot more peaceful and calm if you make your space around you peaceful and calm."
- Dr. Joshi, Change Your Mind in 21 Days
A Tamasic Mind
People with a tamasic mind often struggle with indecision, feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to do. This leads to procrastination, hesitation, and a cautious approach. They also tend to be lazy and enjoy sleeping.
Tamasic Ahankara
The Ego
"When your ahankara is in tamas you feel that you are worthless, useless, you are no good. Your identity will be like that."
- Babaji, The Circus of The Mind
Tamasic Buddhi
The Intelligence
"When buddhi is in tamas then it cannot properly discriminate, or make decisions. Intelligence becomes foggy."
- Babaji, The Beauty of Buddhi
A Tamasic Student
The Good
Tamas is essential for our health and well-being, providing the grounding and stability needed for rest and sleep. It helps us slow down, maintain balance, and serves as the foundation for higher states of consciousness. Thanks to tamas, we can enjoy deep sleep, process the day’s learning, and wake up refreshed for the next day.
When Out of Balance
The Bad
A student with a tamasic mind struggles to understand the purpose of studies, leading to off-topic or confused questions—or sometimes none at all, believing they've mastered the material. In extreme cases, this misguided self-righteousness can cause them to stop attending class, thinking they know more than the teacher. They may even try to teach others.
Their Classmate's Perceptions
The Ugly
"They lack empathy so they are insensitive to how their questions or behavior disturbs the class. They think they are good at introspecting, but they are actually not. Because how can you be good at introspecting if you are in the mud?"
- Dr. Joshi, Masterclass
Tamas in Relationships
Drifting in Comfort. Bound by Stagnation. Shadowed by Silence.
Tamasic relationships are characterized by lethargy, inertia, and a lack of motivation, leaving the couple feeling stuck and struggling to take initiative or make decisions. This often leads to a passive or indifferent approach, avoiding deep conversations and responsibilities, and favoring comfort and routine over growth. Negativity, pessimism, and a lack of enthusiasm can create a sense of stagnation, leading to frustration, disconnection, and dissatisfaction. Ungratefulness permeates their interactions. The emotional unavailability or unwillingness to invest effort results in a relationship that feels shallow, unchanging, and unfulfilling, with little room for growth or deeper connection.
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