Ayurveda Principles »Trigunas

Trigunas
Triguna or three gunas are the three main qualities of mind. They are Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas or good, indifferent and bad respectively.

The mental powers exist parallel to tridoshas that control the body.

Sattwa means purity. Persons of this quality are calm, kind and thoughtful. This is the best mental quality to posses.

Rajas roughly translates into activity.
This kind of persons will be very active and seek incessant activities.

Tamas is darkness.
The most unfavorable mental condition, the persons in this condition have a lethargic mind.

There is Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas (all the trigunas) in every individuals. The dominance of a guna in that person tells about the character of that person. It is said that there is no one man on earth without at least a bit of purity in his mind.

Tamas Guna
Tamas means darkness, persons with tamas guna (tamasikas) possess negative habits and mental activities like fear, envy, indolence, etc…

There are three main subtypes for Tamas Guna persons, they are:

Pasava – pasava persons show lack of understanding or comprehensive powers. Envious and excess sexual indulgence, they also like many hours of sleep a day.

Matsya – Matsya guna persons show cowardice. They require too much water everyday. Unsteadiness, constant passion, etc are other signs to identify Matsya guna persons.

Banaspatya – they don’t like to work. Poor intelligence and excess indulgence in food is another sign to identify them.

Trigunas Explained – Satwa
Satwa or sattwa is known for awareness, delight, purity, lucidity, and composure. The best quality human beings can possess. The people with an abundance of satwa (satwa-dominant) are free from diseases, anger, and quick emotional barrage.

Satwa quality is further divided into seven subtypes they are described below
Brahma: Brahma persons are free from jealous, greed, ignorance, anger and possess knowledge and understanding.

Arsa: Arsa satwa guna persons have good memory, purity of mind, maintains composure, free from ego and pride, and are knowledgeable persons.

Aindra: Aindra Satwa guna type of persons have great interest in theology and spirituality. They read holy books, and like to lead disciplined life. They are knowledgeable and possess far-sightedness and courage. They are happy to perform religious rituals at temples and other places.

Yamya: Yamya satwa guna persons have clear thought and purposes. They stay away from mean thoughts and all kinds of negative emotions. They are natural leaders. They are capable of taking and implementing right decisions at the right times.

Varuna: Varuna satwa guna people like to observe religious rites and keep themselves away from all vices. They are also not afraid to express their feelings at the right place.

Kabera: Kabera Sattwa guna persons have courage and patience. They like virtuous acts but hate impure thoughts. They enjoy spending time in leisure.

Gandharva: Gandharva guna persons attract people and wealth. They study and understand epics, puranas, poetry, etc. They enjoy dancing, singing and listening to music. They are passionate and spend money on perfumes, flowers, etc.

Rajas- Rajas Guna of Triguna
Rajas and Tamas are both associated with lust, greed, jealousy, anger, anxiety, fear, delusion etc.

Rajas guna has six divisions, they are:
Asura – these type of persons are known for ruthlessness, cruelty and dare-devilry. They indulge in boasting and possess a terrifying appearance. No mercy – that is their principal slogan.

Rakshasa – jealousy is the most prominent negative emotion among them. They are also known for anger, cruelty, excessive lust and eating. They are also known to sleep more than is needed.

Paisala – not so particular about hygienic habits, they are also lusting for sex. The last thing about them is disciplined – be it about food, habits, or sex. They are cowards too.

Sarpa – sarpa type persons are known for quick negative reactions, but are usually fearful and cowards. Rare instances can witness acts of bravery, but largely unstable.

Praita – gluttony, envy, greediness, thoughtless actions, etc are the main symptoms of this type persons.

Sakuna – ruthlessness, unsteadiness, and full of passion, sakuna type persons are also known for love for food.