Through yoga practice, we strive toward self-actualization or enlightenment to live a calm and centred life. One way to do this is to harness “the Gunas” — a simple framework which can help in decision making and progressing forward.
The Gunas are concepts which originate from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient sacred text, and describe the qualities of nature. Everything in nature is made up of the elements (earth, fire, water, air, ether) in varying proportions, just as everything in nature also has the Gunas in varying proportions.
The 3 Gunas are Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Some may think one Guna is better than another, but you should not think of them as good or bad because there is a need for each of the qualities – similar to the elements of nature.
While the Gunas may seem too theoretical for daily life, practical benefits can accrue when we balance the Tamas and Rajas and increase Sattva through our thoughts and behaviours.
Tamas
Tamas is darkness, lethargy, and inertia; it can be caused by subtle things such as over or under sleeping, negative thinking, social isolation, lack of exercise, sunlight, and fresh air. Fear, worry, depression, indifference, and negativity are manifestations of Tamas.
Stale, over/under-ripe, processed, deep fried foods, alcohol, and meat are examples of Tamasic food as they are not as beneficial for the body when compared to Sattvic food. Overindulging in any type of food will make it Tamasic. Tamas is important to the balance of life, without Tamas sleep and rest would never come.
Rajas
Rajas describes action, movement, and change and can occur in both body and mind. Someone who is very energetic and not able to sit still is Rajasic, as is someone who meditates with a racing mind. Fiery thoughts, a quick temper, impatience, and competitiveness are traits of Rajas.
Rajasic food will cause the eater to be Rajasic in the mind or body – think how you felt the last time you ate excessively spicy, sweet or salty food!
A Rajasic nature shouldn’t be viewed negatively since action is necessary for things to get done. Adding Rajas to your life can help when Tamas is too prevalent in your life.
Sattva
In its most basic form, Sattva is purity and cleanliness. Being optimistic, being content, having kind and loving thoughts, acting in a selfless manner, and reflecting what needs to be done and carrying it out in a calm manner are examples of Sattvic thoughts and behaviours.
Fresh, healthy, easy to digest, tasty food eaten in a quantity which satiates the body without over-indulging can help increase Sattva.
If there is too much Rajas in your life, it can be transformed to a Sattva nature by re-examining your intentions and being selfless in your actions.
Moving toward Sattva
In addition to observing and changing our thoughts and behaviours, there are other things which move us toward a more Sattvic way of life. One is to keep a balanced yoga practice through the 5 Points of Yoga: relaxation, breathing, asana, diet, positive thinking and meditation.
Practicing yoga holistically helps to overcome the inertia of Tamas, still the commotion from Rajas, and bring the body and mind into a Sattvic state. With a regular yoga practice, peace and calm slowly floods every part of your life, subtly changing not only your body but also your personality, emotions, and mental state.