In the present time of lockdown, we are in our homes more. So how do we put Rajoguṇa (mode of activity) to beneficial use?
Our body is made of these three qualities of nature: Rajoguṇa (quality of activity), Tamoguṇa (quality of inertia) and Sattvaguṇa (quality of goodness). Each quality performs its own work. Sometimes, when the mode of activity influences us, it drives us to perform actions. When the quality of goodness influences us, we experience peace, we are filled with love, we meditate and we are filled with virtuous emotions. When the mode of inertia influences us, we experience sleep, inattention and laziness. All these sedentary acts are the work of the mode of inertia.
We cannot sleep for 24 hours. However, to stay awake for 18 hours, we need to sleep for 6 hours. In lockdown, we may increase the duration of our sleep but to what extent? What will one do for the rest of the time after waking up? The mode of activity will tempt us towards sensual desires.
Currently, men are at home and they realise the large amount of work women have in the house. Those who are understanding, will help their wife, mother, sister or daughter in household chores. Let us be helpful in the house. Keep busy. Then truly, if your mother is present in the house, she will bless you; if you help your wife then she will respect and love you more.
Being a housewife is honourable. In many places, I ask my mothers and sisters, how much are you educated?
“I have attained post-graduation”.
“Good, now what are you doing?”
“Nothing, I’m a housewife.”
Then I get shocked with the statement, “Nothing, I’m a housewife!”
Being a housewife is a big deal! It is a huge responsibility.
Men earn money, fine, but, using that money rightly and running a home is not a mediocre task; It holds great responsibility and requires great dedication as well as hard work.
I have heard that quarrels in the household have increased in this lockdown. I read in the newspaper recently that there is an increase in domestic violence by 50%. Shocking! This happens due to ignorance.
From the beginning 
of lockdown, I have been conversing with you and saying that this is the time to understand one another. Appreciate one another. Woman appreciates the man; man appreciates the woman. Many people are serving others via NGOs, distributing food, or lunchboxes and helping the poor. In keeping in line with the Government rules, you can also help others. In such activities for the welfare of others and oneself, should you use your quality of activity, keep busy, then your time spent will be useful. You will experience that the lockdown will not feel like being caged but it is a period of solemnization,
The circumstances are as they are, we must accept this and fight it. The entire world is fighting against coronavirus. The rules to fight this war will have to be followed. We will have to abide by the regulations and at the same time, use our quality of activity virtuously; once again, we need to make good use of it. Otherwise, with this same quality of activity, sensual desires, anger and greed will rise.
Kāma eṣa krodha eṣa rajoguṇasamudbhavaḥ, mahāśano mahāpāpmā viddhyenamiha vairiṇam (SBG 3.37)
Due to these sensual desires, anger and greed, we see issues such as domestic violence. When you break laws, you not only put yourself, but also, the life of others in danger. For this not to happen, we can use the quality of activity virtuously in this manner.
