Gita 18.32

Sadhak: "This sounds like psychopathy or extreme evil. How common is this actually?"

Guru: "In its complete form, perhaps not common. But elements of tamasic perception appear more widely. Whenever someone genuinely believes harmful actions are good—not rationalizing but actually perceiving wrongly—there is tamasic distortion. Consider how cultures have celebrated as virtues what other cultures recognize as cruelty, or how individuals harm those they claim to love while convinced they help. Degrees of tamasic distortion are more common than we might think."

Sadhak: "How does someone become so completely inverted?"

Guru: "Usually through gradual process. Small moral compromises, left unexamined, accumulate. Each step normalizes the next. Surrounding oneself with others who share the distortion reinforces it. Eventually, what began as clear wrongdoing appears completely right. This is why moral vigilance matters—not harsh self-judgment but honest examination of whether our perception might be distorting."

Sadhak: "If I can't know I have tamasic distortion, how can I check for it?"

Guru: "This is the central challenge. Several approaches help: First, diverse perspectives—if everyone with different viewpoints says you're wrong, consider the possibility. Second, trusted teachers whose wisdom you respect—submit your understanding to their examination. Third, the teachings of authentic scriptures—do your conclusions align with wisdom traditions? Fourth, consequences—does your path produce liberation or bondage, peace or suffering? Humility to check is itself a sign of sattva emerging."