Arishadvarga

According to the  Hindu theology, Arishadvarga are the six enemies of the mind & that which leads the following kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (attachment), mada (pride), and maatsarya (jealousy); the negative characteristics of which prevent man from attaining moksha or universal peace.

These are the fundamental tenets of Kali Yuga. The more each individual fights them, the longer will be the life of Dharma in this yuga.

1. kama — lust
2. krodha — anger
3. lobha — greed
4. moha — delusory emotional attachment or temptation
5. mada — pride, hubris, (being possessed by)
6. matsarya — envy, jealousy

Ari-Shad-Vargas means Detrimental-six-qualities of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, and Maatsarya.

1. Kama

   essentially means Desire in the broadest sense of the term, not just lust as it is sometimes translated. Desire in various forms is natural in all beings but becomes a detrimental quality when it is not regulated according to the checks and balances mentioned in Dharma Shastras or the teachings of Right Conduct. If a desire does anything, no matter how small, to harm the social or economic fabric of family, society or nation, it becomes defined as Adharma or against Dharma. Therefore Kama, in this context, is best defined as desire that which goes against Dharma. Selfish desires make people perform wrong actions (Akarma) leading to disastrous consequences in the long term. It includes the following…

2. Krodha

   – When that which one desires doesn’t come to fruition, meaning when you don’t get what you want, it routinely gives rise to Krodha – Anger, like a dangerous fire. Anger causes agitation and agression in the mind and promotes erratic actions. When the mind is unstable it loses its peace and results in actions that are counterproductive or destructive. When we strike out at others out of anger we often unknowingly harm our own longer interestes.

3. Lobha

   – Unjust desires are usually exessive and create greed. Every living being certainly has needs, like the need to eat, sleep, live or procreate. But when our supposed needs harm the needs of others – they become greed. Needs can easily be satisfied – greed can never be satiated. Greed is also the death of reason, causing us to desire things we may not really need or even be able to use. Happiness is a state of mind when inner peace reigns supreme. Peace is only possible in presence of true discernment between need and greed. When we lose our discernment, we lose our ability to think wisely. In absence of wise – all is lost.

4. Moha

   – When the object of our desire gives us what we want, we often get infatuated with it and want to possess it. It is beautiful thing to see a flower blossom but isn’t loving or caring to pluck it or destroy it. It is great when we care for animals – but not caring when we kill them to satiate our taste buds. This is Moha – perhaps best translated as Infatuation. Infatuation is momentary – love is eternal. When a person is infatuated with another, he or she loses the ability to reason or observe. When we are overwhelmed by infatuation – we fail to see the limitations of our desired person or object and see them in a glorified light. As a result, we can do a great many things that are detrimental protecting or pursuing our infatuations. We move away from peace of mind and internal happiness into the abyss of confusion and uncertainty.

5. Mada

   – When we desire something, we assume that we are worthy of it, that it naturally belongs to us because of how great we are. Our ego makes us feel better than others, more deserving of achievement and adualtion. This is defined as Mada, meaning intoxication and delusion, much like being drunk on alcohol. It brings into our thoughts a sense of superiority and arrogance. When we think ourselves to be superior, or a “holier than thou” attitude, we don’t hesitate to dominate and harm others – emotionally as well as physically. This creates enemies for ourselves not just on the outside but also within. Eventually, it yields us only resentment and anger. When power or position is attained by “luck”, i.e. in the absence of proper training, and the mind infested with ego finds it difficult to retain the power or any respect for having it. Our delusion and arrogance can draw destruction upon us.

6. Matsarya

   – There is a difference between intellectual information and wisdom. Not everyone who is intellectual is wise. Intellectuals routinely seek attention and expect appreciation and adulation for their ideas. Wisdom creates inner peace and contenment, regardless of what other people think. Mere intellectual knowledge is loud – Wisdom is quiet. Outer knowledge seeks dominance – wisdom seeks acceptance. Many intellectuals cannot appreicated those more accomplished than themselves. Intellectual knowledge that has not ripend into wisdom easily breeds jealousy and envy, which is what Matsarya means. Intellectuals are often unhappy, regardless of what they have achieved, because others appear happier and more accomplished than they are Envy slays peace of mind and eventually sows the seeds of destruction.

Therefore, unless a person has overcome these six-detrimental-qualities or Arishadvargas, there is no way to retain any power achieved, much less derive lasting happiness form it. Even one of the Arishadvargas is enough to cause destruction. Similarly, the person who has overcome all Arishadvargas has the ability not just to harness power – but also to retain it in an enduring manner. Only those who have overcome their Arishadvargas can be called Wise.