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BRAHMANISM
Object after the two elementary hindrances (laya and vikṣepa) have been overcome, is called kaşāya.177 The word means "gum, resin, extract or exudation from a tree"; used as an adjective it is both “red, dark-red, or brown” and “fragrant, astringent; improper, dirty." kuşaya, again as a noun, denotes "astringent taste or flavor"; also, plastering, smearing, anointing; perfuming the body with unguents (the basic material of unguents being the resinous extracts of certain trecs); dirt, uncleanness." With reference to the psyche its meaning is "attachment to worldly objects; passion, emotion, dullness, stupidity.” And so it may be said that wliat kaṣāya denotes is something sticky, provided with a strong flavor and aroma, which darkens clarity.
This word is used in Vedānta lo denote metaphorically a rigid or hardened state of inind. The candidate is unable to apprchend and come to rest in the Selt because the activity of his mind (citta-vriti) has become stiftened, hardened, paralyzed, or benumbed by the latent predispositions or propensities (literally, "fragrances, perfumes," kaşāya) of his own inclinations, passions, likes and dislikes. These exude like resin from the unconscious hidden store of experiences-in-former-lives that account for all the peculiar personal reactions of the individual to impressions and events. Propensities--onc's karmic heritage from earlier days -manifest themselves as lurking desires for renewed gratification. They linge the inner atmosphere like the fragrant smoke of burnt resin or a perfume reminiscent of things long past, and thus they block the way. They arouse attachments, thoughts of worldly things that should have been lest behind. They besmear the field of inner vision like darkish unguents. And so the focus of single-mindedness is dulled, the purpose of approach to the innermost self is deflected, and the intellect stands spellbound in alluring, pungent reminiscences, seductive memories of life, en. joying deep nostalgia. The candidate is unable to steel himself for the effort of release.
177 1b. 212.
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