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The 3 gunas

Know your Mental Constitution

The state of the mind is a very important aspect of a person. The ‘rishis’ (sages) understood that everything in this world has got three principal modes. The tendency to act, rest and balance is within all living entities. Rajas, Tamas and Sattva (together known as the tri-gunas) are the three modes of the universe inherent in every particle, without which we can’t exist as recommended by Indian Ayurveda . Generally these three modes are applied to understanding the mind, since the mind is the more subtle aspect of our body.

The three modes are not permanent. They are changeable according to our association and action. One can change the modes of mind through constant practice. We can evolve from rajas or tamas to satwa, the balance and harmony, through acute self awareness, humility and diligence. A well-balanced male should have 70% sattva, 20% rajas and 10% tamas. A well-balanced female should have 70% sattva, 10% rajas and 20% tamas. While a true guru would be 100% satvic.

To determine your current predominant mental state look at the following:

Mental Clarity

Sattva

Rajas

Tamas
Concentration Very clear Hyperactive Cloudy
Memory Good Moderate Poor
Will power Good Moderate Poor
Honesty Strong Variable Weak
Peace of mind Always Mostly Rarely
Creativity Generally Occasionally Rarely
Spiritual study High Moderate Low
Mantra/Prayer Daily Occasionally Never
Meditation Daily Occasionally Never
Selfless service Often Occasionally Rarely
Relationships Harmonious Passionate Disturbed
Anger Rarely Sometimes Frequently
Fear Rarely Sometimes Frequently
Desire Little Some Uncontrollable
Pride Modes Some ego Vain
Depression Never Sometimes Frequently
Love Universal Personal Lacking in love
Violent Behaviour Never Sometimes Frequently
Attachment Detached Occasionally Attached
Forgiveness Forgive easily With effort Grudges
Diet Vegetarian Some meat Frequent meat
Addictive behaviour Never Occasionally Frequently
Sensory impression Calm Mixed Disturbed
Sleep requirement Little Moderate Excessive
Sexual activity Controlled Intense uncontrollable
Control of senses Good Moderate Low
Speech Peaceful A gitated Dull
Cleanliness High Moderate Low
Work Selfless Reward centered Aimless

Sattva

Sattva is characterized by balance and harmony. It is the state of harmony, indiscrimination, stability of mind, efficiency of handling matters without partiality and selfishness, emotional stability and detachment. Satvic people tend to have an inherent instinct for cleanliness and possess an effortless wisdom reflected in their action.

Rajas

Rajas is the inherent tendency to be active. This is essential to get things done. When in excess, Rajas results in hyperactivity, aggression, passion, severe attachment, agitation and regrettable actions. When unbalanced rajas is considered a disturbing influence on the mind. Rajasic people tend to be power hungry and dissatisfied with what positions or possessions they obtain, they are constantly striving for more often at the cost of those around them. They have a brave yet jealous and cruel character.

Tamas

Tamas presents as inertia. Rest or sleep is impossible without this quality. It provides grounding and stability. Its increase results in inertia, laziness, apathy, ignorance and depression. Excessive tamas is darkness.Tamasic people tend to avoid work, with a penchant for uncontrolled sense of gratification and wasting time. They avoid cleanliness and are not health conscious.