The term guna is derived from Sanskrit गुण and literally refers to a 'string' or 'single thread'. In yoga philosophy, the concept of gunas is used to describe the quality, tendency, or an operational principle of matter and behavior.
The Samkhya philosophy, one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, differentiates three gunas of universal importance which are most commonly applied to yogic practice: sattva guna, rajas guna, and tamas guna. Balancing the three gunas is an important step towards making more controlled and sustainable progress towards any goal.
1) Sattva from Sanskrit सत्त्व literally describes 'existence', or 'reality', but is also translated as 'purity'. Nature is generally ascribed with being sattvic, as is any action with no attachment to the result, i.e. when mind, speech and actions synchronize.
2) Rajas from Sanskrit रजस् describes 'action', 'energy', and 'motion', and is attributed to be the force behind creation and evolution. If dominant, rajas can lead to excitement and passion.
3) Tamas from Sanskrit तमस् on the other hand describes 'darkness' and 'inertia'. As the force that provides resistance to change it is crucial in terms of conservation. If dominant, it can lead to lethargy and indifference.
No value judgement per se is entailed in the concept of gunas since all three are indivisible and mutually qualifying. The concept can be applied to yogic practice in many ways, such as in the selection and sequencing of asanas, as well as choosing the most appropriate diet.
The Samkhya philosophy, one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, differentiates three gunas of universal importance which are most commonly applied to yogic practice: sattva guna, rajas guna, and tamas guna. Balancing the three gunas is an important step towards making more controlled and sustainable progress towards any goal.
1) Sattva from Sanskrit सत्त्व literally describes 'existence', or 'reality', but is also translated as 'purity'. Nature is generally ascribed with being sattvic, as is any action with no attachment to the result, i.e. when mind, speech and actions synchronize.
2) Rajas from Sanskrit रजस् describes 'action', 'energy', and 'motion', and is attributed to be the force behind creation and evolution. If dominant, rajas can lead to excitement and passion.
3) Tamas from Sanskrit तमस् on the other hand describes 'darkness' and 'inertia'. As the force that provides resistance to change it is crucial in terms of conservation. If dominant, it can lead to lethargy and indifference.
No value judgement per se is entailed in the concept of gunas since all three are indivisible and mutually qualifying. The concept can be applied to yogic practice in many ways, such as in the selection and sequencing of asanas, as well as choosing the most appropriate diet.
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| Balancing the three gunas is an important step towards making more controlled and sustainable progress towards any goal. |
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