Darkness, inactivity, negligence, and delusion arise when tamas predominates. Shankara identifies tamas as the most fundamental obstruction to spiritual progress. Ramanuja sees tamasic dominance as the soul's greatest danger. The Bhakti tradition teaches that even in the depths of tamas, calling upon God can bring rescue. Madhva identifies these as genuine conditions of the soul oppressed by the heaviest guna, requiring both God's grace and the devotee's effort. Abhinavagupta sees tamas as consciousness at its most contracted, producing the illusion of lifelessness. Vallabha teaches that tamasic darkness is the greatest obstacle to devotion, and God's grace can break through even the densest tamas. Tilak identifies tamas as the primary enemy of productive life, with even imperfect action serving as an antidote. Vivekananda prescribes vigorous physical and mental activity as the cure for the stupor that masquerades as comfort.