There is one important concept in the realm of yoga that has been instrumental in understanding those qualities or energies through which our life and health are influenced. The term “Guna” refers to three basic energies resident in everything: Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva.
Rajas: The Energy of Action
Movement, action, and change reflect the energy of Rajas. This energy is often referred to as passionate and fiery, much like the energetic feeling one has when the sun is out. Rajas helps drive our ambitions and moves us forward in our personal and professional lives. When there is too much Rajasic energy, people show signs of being too busy—constantly engaged in activity with little rest or time for reflection.
When out of balance, Rajas overwhelming can over-stimulate the mind and body; when overloaded, restlessness occurs and thoughts wildly race out of control. An overabundance of Rajasic energy can lead one to struggle with no ability to focus or develop burnout from the relentless pace of life.
Rajasic foods, however, play an important role in this discussion in that they can heighten or reduce the effects of this energy. Commonly known Rajasic foods are those that are spicy in nature, fried foods, caffeine, fish, eggs, chocolate, as well as food that is too bitter, sour, dry, or even too salty. Eating quickly is also a Rajasic action commonly associated with this energetic principle.
Tamas: The Energy of Inertia
Contrasted with Rajas, Tamas is the principle of inertia and darkness, associated with inactivity and heaviness. This Guna predominates during nighttime and expresses a natural tendency toward sleep or torpor. When Tamas predominates, clouding of cognitive functions can result in negative emotions that include anger and greed. People possessing a strong Tamasic energy might appear lethargic or even depressed, contributing to an overall decline in well-being.
Tamasic foods are those most generally associated with the expression of this Guna. Examples of these are meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, and those too far removed from their natural state through heavy processing or rotting. Overeating is also a Tamasic action that one participates in to create a heavier, less inspired version of self. Being able to identify such Tamasic aspects of one’s diet may be highly valuable to creating a healthier existence.
Sattva: The Energy of Harmony and Balance
Sattva represents a state of harmony, balance, joy, and intelligence. When this energy is predominant, sattvic energy fosters positive emotional states and is very much associated with healing and clarity. This guna comes into its best element during twilight transition times-that is, both at dawn and dusk of the day, when the world is not fully light nor totally dark.
Practicing the yogic path involves the encouragement of the development of Sattva through various methods that foster this quality. Individuals with high levels of Sattvic energy tend to appear content, centered, and in connection with their spirituality. The encouragement of Sattvic qualities in its sister science, Ayurveda, promotes dietary practices to enhance Sattva.
Sattvic foods are whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, pure fruit juices, legumes, and some forms of dairy products that include milk and butter. Eating foods for the body and spirit can amazingly enhance general health and help toward a healthy lifestyle.
Self-Awareness
While all three Gunas are present in each one of us, there is usually one dominating Guna in a person that reflects his responses to different situations in life, his strengths, and his weaknesses. By discovering what your dominating Guna is, you will be able to get an idea of how those qualities influence your behavior and the way you feel.
Periodic dominating fluctuations of the Gunas are also common. You might be in a productive phase – Rajas, then in a low-energy or depressed phase – Tamas, after which you get back to your normal, balanced, and spiritually related self – Sattva. Being in the know about such cycles may help in keeping the mental-emotional seeing-saw in balance.
Diet and Its Influence upon the Gunas
The food we eat is not only highly critical to our state of energy and health in general, but a diet consisting regularly of processed, chemically treated foods shares numerous characteristics with Tamasic food and has been associated with health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even forms of cancer by today’s science. While one’s vitality and energy are nourished by whole, natural foods-nourishment considered to be Sattva-it nurtures long-term health.
Yoga and the Gunas
If you practice yoga asanas, it is well worth considering how the Gunas express themselves in you during practice. Does your asana practice tend to be fiery, energetic, and dynamic-Rajasic? Or does it tend more towards slow and lethargic-Tamasic? Or does it tend more towards a balance and harmony-Sattvic?
All these reasons emphasize how important the development of Sattva is to achieve health, happiness, and balance in one’s life. Steps to increase Sattvic energy include:
Reduce Rajas and Tamas: be aware of and reduce the influences of overactivity and inertia.
Increase Self-Awareness: be aware of what Guna is operating at any particular time and take remedial measures as needed.
Being Engaged in Positive Activities: be interested in those situations and contacts that are helpful to create positive thoughts and emotional feelings.
Following the Sattvic Diet: Consuming whole, unprocessed foods that nourish the body is considered a Sattvic diet.
Using Certain Herbs: There are specific herbs for promoting Sattva.
Yoga: Pranayama, asanas, and meditation to keep a balance of energies.
The concept and implementation of the Gunas can pave a significant way toward balance in your life and health.
