Non-killing, veracity, not stealing, continence, non-covetousness, refraining from anger, serving the guru, purity in mind and body, contentment, right conduct, abstinence from self-praise, freedom from pompousness, firm conviction in the existence of God, and not causing any injury to others – all these are to be known as sattvika gunas chiefly.
The Sariraka Upanishad, a part of the larger body of Vedic wisdom, delves deeply into the nature of human existence and consciousness, particularly through the lens of the Trigunas—Sattva (purity, harmony), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, ignorance). These three gunas (qualities or modes of nature) are fundamental to understanding the mind, actions, and behavior of living beings. Each quality governs how a person thinks, feels, and acts, shaping their character and spiritual development.
The Gunas: Overview
Sattva (Purity and Harmony)
- Qualities: Purity, knowledge, virtue, light, harmony, and balance.
- Manifestations in Life: Sattva is associated with qualities like non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), contentment (santosha), cleanliness (shaucha), self-discipline (tapas), humility, and dedication to spiritual pursuits. It represents clarity, peace, and goodness in actions.
- Symbolism: Sattva is often symbolized by light or a white lotus—something pure and untainted. It allows for the reflection of divine consciousness, much like a clean mirror reflects light.
- Example: A saint who leads a life of simplicity, engages in selfless service, and seeks the welfare of others is dominated by Sattva.
Rajas (Activity and Passion)
- Qualities: Passion, ambition, desire, restlessness, and activity.
- Manifestations in Life: Rajas leads to desires, attachments, ego-driven pursuits, and restlessness. It is about constant movement, striving, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures and recognition.
- Symbolism: Rajas is often symbolized by fire—dynamic, transformative, but also consuming. It is the force that pushes one to act and achieve.
- Example: A businessman who is driven by ambition, seeks profit, status, and success, but is restless and constantly striving, is dominated by Rajas.
Tamas (Ignorance and Inertia)
- Qualities: Darkness, ignorance, laziness, delusion, and chaos.
- Manifestations in Life: Tamas leads to delusion, inertia, depression, and ignorance. It is associated with negative behaviors like procrastination, indulgence, and destructive tendencies.
- Symbolism: Tamas is often symbolized by darkness or dense fog—something that obscures vision and clouds clarity.
- Example: A person who leads a life of lethargy, addiction, or criminal behavior, trapped in ignorance and confusion, is dominated by Tamas.
Teachings of the Sariraka Upanishad on the Gunas
The Sariraka Upanishad gives detailed descriptions of each guna, allowing us to recognize their influence in our behavior and mental states.
Sattva Guna: Qualities such as non-killing, truthfulness, non-stealing, self-restraint, contentment, purity of mind and body, and humility are considered sattvika. These qualities elevate an individual towards spiritual growth and align them with the divine. Sattva leads to knowledge, wisdom, and inner peace.
Rajas Guna: The feeling of "I am the actor, I am the doer" reflects rajasika qualities like egoism, attachment, and constant striving. Those governed by Rajas are active and driven by desires, but this can also lead to dissatisfaction and restlessness. Rajas creates activity and change, but it lacks the tranquility of Sattva.
Tamas Guna: Destructive qualities like sleep, laziness, ignorance, indulgence in sensual pleasures, and confusion are considered tamasa. It binds a person to ignorance, and in this state, clarity and higher wisdom are difficult to attain. Tamas impedes growth and progress, both materially and spiritually.
Symbolism and Importance
The Gunas are symbolic of different states of consciousness. Sattva represents the path of light, the mind in its purest state, free from the noise of desires and ignorance. Rajas symbolizes the fiery path of desire and activity, while Tamas represents the darkness that clouds our higher nature.
The Gunas as Evolutionary Forces: The Gunas operate in cycles, and all three are essential for creation. Without Tamas, there would be no stability or structure; without Rajas, there would be no movement or action; without Sattva, there would be no clarity or enlightenment. These forces are constantly in flux within us, and spiritual growth involves moving towards Sattva by reducing the dominance of Rajas and Tamas.
Practical Application in Modern Life
Sattva in Day-to-Day Life: To cultivate Sattva, one can practice meditation, engage in selfless service, maintain a healthy diet (Sattvic foods like fruits, vegetables, grains), and embrace ethical living. Daily habits such as practicing gratitude, speaking truthfully, and maintaining mental and physical cleanliness lead to greater peace and harmony.
Rajas and Modern Ambition: While Rajas can be beneficial for driving us to achieve goals and take action, too much Rajas can lead to stress, anxiety, and attachment to material success. Balancing Rajas with Sattva allows one to work passionately but with detachment, avoiding burnout and maintaining inner peace.
Tamas and Overcoming Laziness: In today’s world, where distractions like social media and mindless entertainment can foster Tamasic tendencies, it is essential to actively resist lethargy and confusion. Cultivating awareness through mindfulness and engaging in regular physical exercise can help break the inertia of Tamas.
A Story from Hinduism: The Chariot of Arjuna
In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna’s chariot is often used as a metaphor for the human condition. The horses represent the senses (tied to Rajas), which must be controlled by the reins of the mind (Sattva) and driven by the charioteer, Krishna (the divine wisdom). When the senses are wild, the mind becomes overwhelmed by desires (Rajas) or ignorance (Tamas). But under the guidance of Krishna, the mind is elevated towards Sattva and divine understanding.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
- Bhagavad Gita 14.6: "Of these, Sattva, being pure, causes illumination and health. Sattva binds the soul by attachment to knowledge and joy."
- Bhagavad Gita 14.12: "When there is an increase in Rajas, O Arjuna, greed, activity, undertaking of actions, restlessness, and desire arise."
- Bhagavad Gita 14.13: "When Tamas prevails, darkness, inertia, carelessness, and delusion manifest."
Relevance in Today’s World
Understanding the Gunas helps in self-awareness and personal growth. It can guide us in developing healthier habits, emotional balance, and ethical decision-making. For instance, reducing Tamas in a work environment (e.g., eliminating procrastination) and balancing Rajas (e.g., maintaining ambition without becoming overly attached to success) allows one to thrive both materially and spiritually. Sattva fosters well-being, mental clarity, and connection to higher purposes, leading to lasting fulfillment in life.
In a world full of distractions and pressures, aligning oneself with Sattva brings peace, fulfillment, and lasting joy. Recognizing the role of Rajas and Tamas, one can consciously work towards a harmonious, balanced life.