As we continue to navigate this uncertain time, let us return to the ancient wisdom of yoga to more deeply understand the forces at play in the Universe. This month we will dive into the three Gunas (qualities of nature). We will study their cyclicality, their individual attributes, and the way they influence the quality of our actions. The word “guna” means “strand” and they serve as the essential building blocks of matter much like a DNA strand. In addition to their physical nature, they carry an emotional quality as well.
The three Gunas are called Sattva (harmony), Rajas (action) and Tamas (inertia). They work together and oppose each other at the same time. The Gunas overpower one another yet are interdependent and cooperative. All three Gunas are present as nature moves through periods of rest and activity. They are sometimes referred to as the Mental Doshas since they have the strongest influence on the mental body. The doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in Ayurvedic medicine are the constitutions that make up a person’s nature. We will save them for another discussion.
Qualities of Nature
Tamas (inertia) – Tamas is the principle of gross unmoving matter and dense, still, dark energy. It is passive but is filled with the potential for movement. Tamas is inert, concealing and restricting.
Rajas (action) – Rajas is the principle of action that fulfills potential. It is the bridge between Tamas and Sattva. Rajas is activating, stimulating and subject to desire.
Sattva (balanced harmony) – Sattva is the passive principle of balance between inertia and movement, and the expression of stillness in motion. It is a spiritual quality of equipoise and harmony. Sattva is light, illuminating and joyful.
Rhythms
The cyclicality of the Gunas is evident all around us. Take for instance the cycle of the day: we awake in Tamas – a languid darkness, still carrying the heaviness of sleep. As we wake and get into the day, we move into Rajas, the Guna of action. Working and moving in the busy, bright fullness of the day. As we move into evening, that energy wanes and we find ourselves in the cool moonlight of Sattva – a restful peace at the end of day.
Another example of this is our yoga practice. When we first take the mat, we are in a lethargic, veiled state, Tamas, then we slowly warm up and begin to move into stronger poses, flowing in Rajas, and finally we cool down and rest in Savasana (corpse pose), ending the practice in Sattvic bliss.
The Essence
In addition to cyclicality, the Gunas also influence our intentions and behavior. When Tamas is dominant, its influences are laziness, negativity, and depression. Foods that increase Tamas are things such as red meat, processed foods and alcohol, to name a few. Psychically imbibing dark or depressing sensory stimulation – or seeking out no intellectual stimulation at all – also reinforces tamasic behavior. Fostering Tamasic influences results in destructive and selfish habits.
Rajas is action and in excess its influences become competitive, overactive and agitated. Dietary choices that increase Rajas are spicy, hot food, red meat, caffeine and tobacco, among others. Excessive sensory stimulation that promotes speed, anger and violence escalates Rajas, as does a lack of rest and a pressured lifestyle. Sustaining Rajasic behavior results in ego identity, diminished self-control and tendency toward impatience.
Sattva’s influences are purity, virtue and wisdom. Foster Sattva with a clean diet, orderly environment, a balanced lifestyle and uplifting experiences and friends. Meditation and mindful practices are encouraged to increase Sattva. Cultivating Sattvic behavior results in health, happiness, immunity and longevity, as well as Spiritual growth.
The Gunas influence our behavior, and we reinforce the Gunas with the behavioral Rasayanas (literally, “that which enters the essence”) that we choose. Sometimes we get bogged down in Tamas but then we call upon Rajas to get us moving. We can be swept away by Rajas’s charm – it’s shiny and fun – but in addition to movement, Rajas is also desire. Since Rajas is the bridge between Tamas and Sattva, it has access to both. Desire, then, can move in either direction as well. Our desires can be more tamasic – base, dark, violent, depressing, or can move toward Sattva and elevate us to harmony, balance, peace and purity.
“When we are in a state of Sattva, we are aware of the forces of desire (Rajas) or inertia (Tamas) within ourselves, and are capable of choosing to say “no” to them. If we are in a state of Rajas, we are the playthings of desire. Thus Sattva is a state of equilibrium which is the essence of freedom and consciousness.”
~ Doug Keller
Gunas in the Modern World
Why are the Gunas helpful to us today? How will learning about the states of nature serve us in these unprecedented times?
Let’s consider the past few months as an example of this cycle in action. As news of the pandemic spread, the world gradually came to a halt and we found ourselves in a spooky stillness. Uncertainty made our fear grow. Fear is a tamasic energy. But what did we do in response? Walking, gardening, biking, and being outside in nature. We were drawn to movement and fresh air. We embraced the Rajasic energy of movement and light. We are finishing unfinished projects, starting new ones, being creative and giving back. What does all that Rajasic energy do? It leads to Sattva and, even if for a short time, we find ourselves at peace. Balanced. Calm. What else does that Rajasic energy do? It initiates the movement of Tamas and its destructive energy. Each time we do something to feed our souls, the Tamas begins to move and destroys its own inertia at the insistence of Raja and we find ourselves in Sattva.
“Rajas invokes Tamas to destroy the current state to permit Sattva to create the new.”
~ Dr. Marc Edwards
To tell it in a story, the world had gotten too Rajasic. Hectic routines and high pressure lifestyles made Tamas hit the pause button. Then Tamas called for a restart. Rajas was able to rest, get back in balance and begin moving again, this time more slowly and mindfully. Enter Sattva. Exhale. And now:
Balance.
Understanding.
Creativity.
It’s important to remember that there are cycles within cycles. Just as the energy of the Gunas cycles through the day, it cycles through us, too. We have our down days, and our up days, and everything in between. The trick is to balance the influence of the Gunas.
This is where our yoga practice comes in. We are able to balance these forces in the body, mind and Spirit each time we take the mat. Moving when we have become too sedentary, finding stillness when we have become overactive. Returning to the breath. Quieting the mind. Experiencing Sattva.
Our world will continue to change over the next month. It’s more important than ever that we make time to get on the mat. While on the mat, may we pause and right ourselves from the inside out. Allow your practice to serve you over these next few weeks.
I wish you balance and harmony.
Thank you for this post. Receiving here the rest, light, and breath it shares. Much love always, Tia
Thank you, Tia!! ❤❤