The 3 Gunas

In the philosophy of Yoga, all that is manifest in the universe arises from the fundamental unmanifest called Prakriti. Prakriti literally means the original power of action. It does not refer to substance in the physical sense but to the potential from which all forms of matter, energy and mind can arise. Prakriti is the original state of pure potential out of which all things become possible. Prakriti itself is said to be a composite of three prime qualities the 3 gunas sattva, rajas and tamas.

From this ethereal Prakriti the entire manifest universe comes forth. Within all that is manifest are all the three gunas (qualities) creating the essential aspects of all nature—energy, matter and consciousness.  The three gunas are: Sattva – the power of harmony, balance, light and intelligence – the higher or spiritual potential; Rajas is the power of energy, action, change and movement – the intermediate or life potential; Tamas is the power of darkness, inertia form and materiality – the lower or material potential.
All three gunas are always present in all beings and objects surrounding us but vary in their relative amounts. The one which predominates will be the predominant tendency of that thing. We humans have the unique ability to consciously alter the levels of the gunas in our bodies and minds. 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 and this forms the foundation of Yoga philosohpy and science for life.

It is important that we do not attribute value judgement to the gunas and their presence in our life or spiritual practice. Instead through understanding we can come to see where and how they are applicable. All are necessary and of value at different times and applications. If there was perfect equilibrium between the three gunas, there would be no manifestation of the universe. It is only when there are fluctuations or modifications (vikaras or vikritis) among them that there begins to be manifestation. For example if I really need to sleep and want to go to sleep, then my mind is, tamasic, and that is good. But if it is morning time, and the time that I would do sadhana, (spiritual practice)  and my predominant state is tamasic, it is likely I will not do my practice, or if I do, get little benefit. In this last instance I need some rajasic energy to overcome the tamasic tendency. If I can get this balance right by the end of my sadhana my state  should be sattvic.

The principle of the three gunas operate at all levels. In diet for example, all yogic strictures regarding diet are based on fortifying the sattvic quality. This is to  optimize conditions for meditation and a useful spiritual life. The ideal of yogic life is for sattva to become predominant. In a sattvic state we tend to be  clear and balanced in thought and deed. The sattvic state though should not be seen as the ultimate objective. It is from this  state that we can most effectively undertake spiritual practice,  the process of which leads to diminishing influence of any of the gunas, until we are free of all influence from the subconscious and rest once more in Purusha (true nature)

To increase sattva reduce both rajas and tamas, eat sattvic foods and enjoy activities and environments that produce joy and positive states. All of the yogic practices were developed to create sattva in the mind and body. Thus, practicing yoga and leading a yogic lifestyle strongly cultivates sattva. To reduce rajas avoid rajasic foods, over exercising, over work, loud music, excessive thinking and consuming excessive material goods. To reduce tamas avoid tamasic foods, over sleeping, over eating, inactivity, passivity and fearful situations.

Sattvic Food
This is the purest diet, the most suitable one for any serious student of yoga. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state. And it calms and purifies the mind, enabling it to function at its maximum potential. A sattvic diet thus leads to true health: a peaceful mind in control of a fit body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. Sattvic foods include cereals, wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, pure fruit juices, milk, butter and cheese, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey, and herb teas. Sattvis food is also ideally self prepared.

Rajasic Food
Foods that are very hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty are rajasic. They destroy the mind-body equilibrium, feeding the body at the expense of the mind. Too much rajasic food will overstimulate the body and excite the passions, making the mind restless and uncontrollable. Rajasic foods include hot substances, such as sharp spices or strong herbs, stimulants, like coffee and tea, fish, eggs, salt and chocolate. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic.

Tamasic Food
A tamasic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body. Prana, or energy, is withdrawn, powers of reasoning become clouded and a sense of inertia sets in. The body’s resistance to disease is destroyed and the mind filled with darker emotions, such as anger and greed. Tamasic items include meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, garlic, fermented foods, such as vinegar, and stale or overripe substances or those chemically treated, processed or refined. Overeating is also regarded as tamasic.

You can find Krishnas teaching Arjuna on the three gunas at the end of Chapter XIV of the Bhagavad Gita
Entitled "unatrayavibhaga-Yoga," or "The Yoga of the Distinction of the Three Gunas".

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