Today we’re talking about the three stages of energy called Gunas. According to Samkaya, these are the links that connect us to the physical world. There are three states or Gunas. These being Sattva Guna, being balance, Rajas Guna, being movement, and Tamas Guna being inertia.

By recognizing the predominant Guna in an individual we are able to innerstand  their physical and physiological functioning. The Gunas are essential to Ayurvedya. In order to innerstand their function, we need to know their main characteristics.

Sattva Guna

First we have Sattva Guna – or Balance. Sattva Guna represents perfect balance. When we think of the scale of the universe, Sattva is the  creative force of Brahma. This Guna is distinguished by the state of serenity, awakening of consciousness, intelligence, creativity and wisdom of that which is dominated by Sattva Gunna.

When we look at how this manifests in an individual we see virtues of honesty, humility, tolerance, a search for truth, and peace.

It’s the state for which we strive to achieve the health, longevity and happiness recognized or targeted by Ayurveda. This energy state is that of the greatest stability and is achieved by the right balance of the following two Gunas.

Anything that increases Satva is considered to be of great value to the mind. That which reduces it, increases Rajas or Tamas should be moderated. You can do this by consuming foods like rice, almonds, ghee, milk, and honey. These foods increase Sattva.

Rajas Guna

Rajas Guna is the energy of physical movement. Its that psychomotor restlessness that we may experience when we are stressed. Pacing is a good example of Rajas Guna. Rajas is the need to let off steam, release excess energy. It is also psychic energy, that which creates trouble, emotion and feelings.

Those who favor this Gunas over Sattva Guna and Tamas Guna  are more authoritarian, proud and ambitious in character. They also have a strong need to control. It is difficult for them to rest or calm down. This Gunas represents the protective fo ce of the God Vishnu.

Foods that increase Rajas are red meat and foods that are overly salty, acidic, hot, or spicy. If the food leaves a burning sensation then it increases Rajas.

Tamas Gunas

Tamas Gunas is the third Gunas and is inertia, idleness difficulty in feeling something and apathy. Tamas Gunas is the state that represents darkness. It shows itself in people who are egocentric, difficult to access spirituality. They have a d\tendency toward depression, sarcasm and there is a degree of awkwardness about them. Tamas is the destructive energy of Mahesha, in the universe.

Foods that increase Tamas are alcohol, processed or low quality foods, and leftovers.

What is Your State Of Energy?

You can determine what your state of energy is by observing yourself to try to understand these energies. You can do the following exercise to determine what your state of energy is by observation.

You will record your answers on this sheet. (click here for the print out)

You can begin by asking yourself “What state of energy am I in at this moment?” Don’t judge yourself, just be aware of that which comes to your mind.

Are you in a state of tranquility, nervous or impatient? Do you feel fatigued or sluggish? If we refer back to our discussion you will notice that the states of energy associated with these feelings are Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas respectively.

You should do this exercise three times a day. Morning, noon and night.

Not only does this exercise allow you to determine your state of energy, it allows you to remain present, and it will help you to innerstand, not only your body language and expression, but it will help you to read others as well.

Over time, you will notice that you become calmer and more serine. You are in the state of energy called Sattva Gunas.

This is a good exercise to learn how to read your body and emotional state.