3 Gunas

Gunas (Qualities)

      From the combination of The five elements, Gunas (qualities) originates. Gunas are the impulsive force for the union of these tattvas (elements). Gunas determine the behavior and attitude of being. All these five elements and three Gunas are always present in all beings and material manifestation but vary in their relative amounts.

The Three Gunas are:-

Tamas-It is the state of darkness, inertia, inactivity, and materiality. Tamas manifests from ignorance and deludes all beings from the spiritual truths. Other tamasic qualities are laziness,disgust,attachment,depression,helplessness,doubt,guilt,shame,boredom,addiction,hurt,sadness,apathy,confusion,grief,dependency,ignorance etc.

Rajas-It is a state of energy, action, change, and movement. The nature of the Rajas is of attraction, longing, and attachment, and rajas strongly bind us to the fruits of work. Other rajas qualities are anger,euphoria,anxiety,fear, irritation,worry,restlessness,stress,courage,determination,rumination,chaos etc.

Sattva-It is a state of harmony, balance, joy, and intelligence. Other sattvic qualities are delight,happiness,wellness,freedom,love,compassion,equanimity,empathy,friendliness, focus,self-control,satisfaction,trust,fulfilment,calmness,bliss,cheerfulness,gratitude, fearlessness, selflessness. Sattva is the Guna that Yogis achieve towards as it reduces Rajas and Tamas and thus makes liberation possible.

            The Gunas cannot be separated or removed in oneself but can be consciously acted upon to encourage their increase or decrease. A Guna can be increased or decreased through the interaction and influence of external objects, lifestyle practices, and thoughts. The mind's psychological qualities are highly unstable and can fluctuate between gunas. The predominant guna of the mind acts as a lens that affects our perceptions and perspective of the world around us. The Gunas are in constant flux and they affect everything around us-energy, matter, and consciousness. Usually one of the three gunas predominates, but to lead a happy, healthy, prosperous, and productive life, we need a balance of all three gunas. We must have the inner strength and will power to consciously shift our thoughts and action away from tamas and rajas towards sattvic balance and purpose.

To reduce Tamas-Avoid tamasic foods, oversleeping, overeating, inactivity, passivity, and fearful situations. Tamasic food is meats, alcohol, and food that are spoiled, chemically treated, processed, or refined.

To reduce Rajas-Avoid Rajasic foods, over-exercising, overwork, loud music, excessive thinking, and consuming excessive material goods. Rajas food includes fried foods, spicy foods, and stimulants.

To increase Sattva-Reduce both Rajas and Tamas, eat sattvic foods, and enjoy activities and environments that produce joy and positive thoughts. Sattvic foods include whole grains, and legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables that grows above the ground. All the Yogic practices were developed to create Sattva in the mind and body.