Reviewing Sattva ,Rajas, and Tamas in today's pov

Hello! Thank you for your love of the experience I shared about my research! I am happy to share another blog about the qualities of the wonderful mind, which we will fail to enlist conventionally. But in the Vedas, the scholars have succeeded in doing so broadly into Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. While, if we as a 21st-century modern man decide to list qualities of mind? OK. But first, why do we need to know the significance of qualities of mind? That isn't even an organ. Let's dive in.

‘What is the mind? It is the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, think, and feel; it is the faculty of consciousness and thought. Is it the AI processing unit of the brain, maybe? According to our ancient scriptures, the qualities of the mind are categorised as follows:

"त्रिविधं खलु सत्त्वं- शुद्धं, राजसं, तामसमिति|"

The pure sattvika mind is free from causing abnormalities as it is gifted with auspiciousness; whereas the rajasika mind is impure because it promotes a furious temperament. Similarly, the tamasika mind is impure because of bewilderment. Each of these three types of mind can be subdivided into innumerable forms owing to comparative proportions and the type and origin of the body it resides in, according to Charak Samhita, Sharir sthana.

Understanding the qualities of the mind is essential, despite its intangible nature. The significance of the mind extends to everyday life and clinical neurology. Some psychological disorders manifest without any anatomical or physiological abnormalities, leading to observed abnormal behaviour. The mind involves more than just the five senses; it encompasses their intercommunication. Concepts such as willpower, determination, hatred, love, care, kindness, and empathy are commonly associated with the mind.

Why are we reading or even writing about this? Well, the answer is: To survive. Sir Darwin’s theory should be applied to mental fitness as well, isn’t it? In a world full of politics, and competence one should be knowledgeable, intellectually and emotionally fit. And, to achieve that, we must know what flourishes the mind and what can weaken the mind. Normally, a healthy mind can be built upon good and clean thoughts, words of motivation, love, a smile, and everything under divine light. Well, what destroys a mind? Hatred, jealousy, greed, and all the things devoid of divine light; darkness.

Now, Let’s know what is Sattva ,Rajas and Tamas.

सत्त्वं रजस्तमश्चैव त्रीन् विद्यादात्मनो गुणान् ।

यैर्व्याप्यैमान् स्थितो भावान् महान् सर्वानशेषतः । ।

 According to the Manusmriti, an ancient Indian scripture, the three qualities of the Self are Goodness (sattva), Activity (ragas), and Darkness (tamas), which pervade all existences.

सत्त्वं सुखे सञ्जयति रजः कर्मणि भारत ।

ज्ञानमावृत्य तु तमः प्रमादे सञ्जयत्युत ॥ १४-९॥

This shloka from the Bhagavad Gita states: "From Sattva arises knowledge, and from Rajas arises greed; from Tamas arise negligence and delusion, and indeed ignorance."

Sattva Guna of mind- ‘Satva’ Guna of the mind is considered the superior among the three. Whatever ignites the mind for bringing up up creativity, goodness, kindness, peace and desire for good- good for self and others means ‘Light’ You name all the good deeds and actions of the mind, the qualities or driving force behind all these is Sattva.

What can we compare Satva with? Well, it is simple: Satva can be compared to our optimism, the inherent motivation to help others, eternal peace regardless of circumstances, the urge to spread goodness, philanthropy, giving justice to human emotions, and being altruistic. It is important to understand this to survive in today’s unpredictable world, where one may be questioned for showing concern towards others. The mantra to remember is simple: Do good, be good. Therefore, literature gives utmost importance and superiority to ‘Sattva’.

Rajas, as its etymology suggests, is superior, dominant, and ruling

.रजो रागात्मकं विद्धि तृष्णासङ्गसमुद्भवम् ।

तन्निबध्नाति कौन्तेय कर्मसङ्गेन देहिनम् । ।

The Bhagavad Gita explains that rajas represent the nature of passion, stemming from desire and attachment, and it binds individuals through attachment to action. This aspect of the mind encompasses passion, anger, courage, skill, aggression, potency, and the desire for attainment. These qualities are essential for maintaining focus. Rajas is activated within individuals by "MOHA" – the desire and attachment to achieve material and non-material goals. It can be considered the driving force for achievement in life, serving as the fuel required for action. However, it is important to note that rajasic energy is volatile and can lead to a loss of control over the mind, resulting in surrender to desires, passion, love, anger, and greed, ultimately leading to a downfall. Thus, Rajas is addressed as ‘dosha’, destroying our literature.

Tamasika dosha is quoted as :

अयुक्तः प्राकृतः स्तब्धः शठो नैष्कृतिकोऽलसः ।

विषादी दीर्घसूत्री च कर्ता तामस उच्यते ॥

Shrimad Bhagawat Geeta tells us about tamasika guna through its depiction in human behaviour: That doer is said to be possessed of tamas who is unqualified, unrefined, stubborn, depraved, dishonest, ill-minded, indolent, despondent, lethargic, dull and still.

• Ways to cultivate your sattvika guna include meditation, practicing peace, love, and kindness, and most importantly, following sattvika ahara (food regimes). It might be overwhelming to completely change your lifestyle, so instead, focus on adapting sattvika guna behaviorally. This means desiring welfare, seeking solutions, and focusing on the positive aspects of life. Look only for that silver lining guys!

• Ways to build Rajasika guna- Well, be enthusiastic, take up efforts in literally anything. Develop your passion for things, Workout, speak for yourself, for others. That’s enough! You must definitely try inculcating these things to be more rational, and sparkling when you feel life’s getting dull!

• To develop tamasika guna - in other words, when you feel the drawbacks of being unproductive, or when you feel exhausted and everyday actions seem burdensome, try embracing stillness, choosing peace, calm, and stability that tamasika guna brings about. Take a moment to absorb this. Then, plan your next steps. This approach definitely works!

Alright, but why is it important to understand sattva, rajas, and tamas gunas and how are they relevant in today’s world? Here are a few reasons:

1. These concepts are present in many divine scriptures and religions worldwide, indicating their significance for humanity.

2. This knowledge can guide us through life's journey.

3. The concept of manasika guna influences various psychological conditions such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to health problems.

4. In today’s world, people of all ages, from schoolchildren to the elderly, experience mental stress, including common issues like procrastination, stress, anger, depression, and lethargy.

5. Procrastination is a widespread concern that can stifle creativity and passion. Understanding sattva, rajas, and tamas can help address these challenges.-

While I am aware that the quality of tamasika guna has an influence, and I subconsciously know what I must pursue to reduce this particular aspect. I will spend time in daylight, practice engaging activities, think optimistically, and behave with peace and love. I will avoid activities that bring tamas, such as those involving strength, passion, dedication, bravery, intelligence, and attention. Understanding this knowledge will definitely make me more aware of my mind in some way! Isnt it?

-Shrutika V. Patankar ©