The Gunas in Yoga – Understanding the Significance

We understand the term ‘guna’ to mean virtue or special talent. In yoga as well, the term guna has a specific connotation: these gunas are thought to be the three fundamental forces that guide life’s journey. As usual, when I came across this concept with yogic connotations, I was immediately interested to find out more about it and share it with you all.

The gunas determine personality

The gunas are a concept referred to in the context of the Samkhya philosophy which is one of the six āstika schools of philosophy. The three gunas as envisaged by this philosophy, are present all around us; in all beings of the world. There are three gunas:

  • Sattva – is a positive, constructive force that promotes harmony and balance
  • Rajas – refers to a person being led by passion; someone who is active and vital but who may also be confused and uncoordinated
  • Tamas – is the negative guna which denotes darkness, destructive forces and chaos

The proportion of the three gunas within us and the interplay between them determines our nature, our character and ability to succeed in life. Depending upon which guna is predominant in a person, you could define a person’s intrinsic nature, their attributes and their personality.

Yogic Gunas

The yogic concept of the gunas is that these are present within each of us. However the way they manifest and our own ability to control and balance out the gunas can determine our behavior, our nature and more. Our lifestyle, the way we interact with others and external stimuli, as well as our thoughts can help to increase and decrease the levels of gunas within us and could help us become calmer and more balanced individuals.

How to keep the gunas balanced

Tamas, the negative guna will increase in a person who is ignorant, preoccupied with material things, who gives in to laziness and inertia, and who is distanced from the spiritual aspect of life. Lifestyles that include sloth, unhealthy sleep patterns, unhealthy food and overeating, and a nature that is fearful and suspicious bring one closer to Tamas.

A person who is active but also restless displays more of the Rajas guna. This person is strongly attached to things and longing, may overwork and still not be very highly productive. Their lifestyle also includes unhealthy and rich convenience foods and erratic daily routines.

The most desirable guna is also one that creates joy and harmony in life; i.e. Sattva. It denotes knowledge and intelligence and moves away from the negative impacts of Rajas and Tamas. Moving towards Sattva, also means changing over to a healthier lifestyle and to eating wholesome food that is fresh and unprocessed to the extent possible. The practice of yoga helps to develop a healthier lifestyle and also helps to balance the gunas moving closer to Sattva. An individual can cultivate Sattva by becoming more self aware and by finding reasons to be more joyful in life. This guna helps a person move towards contentment, balance, good health and energy. It is about being energetic and alert but also calm and stable.

Gunas Through Food

As with all other concepts related to yoga, it is fascinating how knowledge of the gunas also help us become better, more evolved human beings.