According to Vedic Philosophy, Moksha (Eternal fulfillment or Release from the cycle of rebirth) is the ultimate goal for a human being. It is to be attained by
(a) Learning Dharma (Righteous way of life);
(b) Earning Artha (simply stated, money or money’s equivalents or Resources) in a Dharmic way;
(c) Fulfilling Kama - all Dharmic desires - using the Artha; and
(d) After realizing the futility of fulfillment of unending desires, endeavour to attain Moksha in a Dharmic way.
Vedas prescribe three paths to achieve this goal – Karma (Activity), Upasana (Worship) and Jnana (Wisdom). Maharshi Veda Vyasa said that there are a thousand ways to reach this goal, within the parameters laid down by the Vedas. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya went a step further and stated that there are a 125,000 ways to achieve the same. What the great sages actually meant was that there are MANY ways for achieving this goal. The Hindu Gurukula system of education was geared to this end. Due to God’s Will (or the bad Karma of the Hindus), this system received massive jolts over a period of mor than a thousand years on account of various invasions. In 1835, the British introduced an education system, whose goals definitely did not include attainment of Moksha. Even after achieving Independence in 1947, we have persisted with this western model. However, in addition to various Peethadhipatis, many Indian intellectuals, such as the Late Mahesh Yogi of Trascendental Meditation fame, the Late Shri Rishi Prabhakar of the Siddha Samadhi Yoga group, Sri Sri of the Art of Living, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, et al who had the benefit of (or loss from – depends on how one looks at it) the western education, have repackaged Indian Philosophy in such a way that it can be easily grasped by the people exposed to the western education model. They are guiding their followers towards success in the material life as well as achieving the goal of Moksha. Prof. P.R. Mukund, the author of the book 10 GUNAS, belongs to this genre of Indian intellectuals. Therefore, before we delve into the book proper, it would be beneficial to learn the background of Shri Mukund.
Prof. Mukund holds a Doctorate in Electronics Engineering from a US University. Initially, he worked in the Electronics industry for about five years. Thereafter, he worked as an Academic in the States for more than three decades. At the same time, he is a student and teacher of Vedic Science and Spirituality – a very unusual combination of pursuits. In addition, he is actively involved in the preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts using modern technology, a laudable vocation, through a Trust named Tara Prakashana (taraprakashana.org). He is a Shishya (disciple) of the Vedic Scholar, Dr. Bannanje Govindacharya. Dr. Mukund has given many talks, mostly revolving around the subject of “Science ad Spirituality”. He says that while the Material Science explains HOW things work, the Spiritual Science (which he also calls “Energy Science”) explains WHY things work. The 10 traits presented by Mr. Mukund in this book are an amalgamation of the bridge between the Material and the Spiritual.
The 10 Gunas – Guiding Principles discussed in this book are – Jnana, Bhakti, Vairagya, Pragnya, Medha Shakti, Dhriti, Stithi, Yoga, Prana Shakti and Bala – terms familiar to people with knowledge of Vedic literature. The author has explained all the concepts in very simple English, that can be easily understood by even a layman. He practiced these Principles in his life with great success. Therefore, he is sharing his experiences and the knowledge gained through the practice for the benefit of the public at large.
The style is lucid and free flowing. Not too many Sanskrit words are used. Wherever Sanskrit words have been used, their meaning has been explained in contemporary English. Only a few Sanskrit shlokas (verses) are quoted, with explanations provided in English. The traits are explained narrating personal experiences of the author gained while practicing them in his own life. The reader should not get carried away by seeing the word Moksha in the title to think that this book is a treatise on philosophy. By identifying and developing these 10 traits, the reader would be able to achieve success in the material life as well as progress towards the goal of Moksha.
On the whole, this is a very interesting and useful book for people who wish to achieve success in this material world without getting psychosomatic disorders. Of course, as the title of the book reveals, it is also useful for people who wish to proceed on the path of Moksha.