Young Rama asks Sri Vasishtha about tendencies and desires that arise in the mind – usually unbidden. There are also intentions that arise from desires generated by this world of illusion. The sage instructs young Rama on attaining desirelessness.
vasanas – tendencies or desires
Question 18: Good and Bad
Many declare that the new-born child is tabula rasa, a blank slate, conditioned and shaped by family, friends and culture. The environment that newborn grows up in is purported to have significant influence in shaping the person and character. Here, Sage Vasishtha clarifies that good and bad tendencies are carried over with the mind from a previous birth.