Note 236 — Chapter II · (continued 2)

According to the Vayu-Purana (ch. V.), Brahma proceeds from rajas; Vichnu from sattvam; and Siva or Mahadeva from tamas. According to the Sánkhyá Kárika (sl. xiii): “Goodness (sattvam) is considered to be alleviating and enlightening; foulness (rajas), urgent and versatile; darkness (tamas), heavy and enveloping. Like a lamp, they co-operate for a purpose (by union of contraries).”