Triguna
3 cosmic qualities
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All matter, all creation, from galaxies and dark matter to the tiniest virus and atom, everything that exists and anything that is manifest - all of it is braided from the three essentials of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
All three qualities necessarily co-exist, but like the strands of a braid, one is always primary or dominant. These are not tangible or measurable forces. They can only be inferred from the effects and qualities they produce in the object or entity they make up.
In the unmanifest state of moola prakriti, these three are in a perfect harmony and balance of equality. It is only when something material is manifested that these three create a new balance of unequal proportions. Everything manifest thus has a braid design that seems unique but is in actuality some combination of these trigunas.
SATTVA
knowledge
The balancing principle. This is the principle that balances the other two gunas. If not for sattva, the unchecked energy of rajas would consume itself and all matter. If not countered by sattvic lightness, tamas would sink into its own heaviness.
The sattvic principle has the potential to balance the strengths and weaknesses of rajas and tamas, which is why spirituality in the Indian culture begins with enhancing and increasing sattva in one's life - be it in food, thought, lifestyle, activities or influences.
An Urban Yogee's lifestyle is aimed at increasing the sattvic influences to bring calmness, balance, peace and lightness.
RAJAS
activity
The energising principle. This is the root cause and power source of the constant change that characterises creation. This is the principle of dynamism and power any and all possible movement possible.
The spinning of electrons, the rotating of stars, the expansion of the universe, the breath and blood in animals, the xylem phloem circulation in plants - rajas drives them all.
TAMAS
inertia
The stabilising principle. Tamas has an undeserved reputation for the negative qualities, but in the creation there is no judgement. Nothing would exist without the tamasic quality. This is what gives form and structure to all matter.
While a kernel of tamas is necessary for matter to exist, in excess it leads to rigidity and dullness, illusion and lethargy. When insufficient, result is instability of form and weakness of structure.
This table below summarises the qualities associated with each guna:
| # | SATTVA | RAJAS | TAMAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Balance | Movement | Inertia |
| 2 | Light | Heat | Darkness |
| 3 | Pleasure | Pain | Attachment |
| 4 | Inspiration | Desire | Fear |
| 5 | Clarity | Passion | Ignorance |
| 6 | Harmony | Confusion | Chaos |
| 7 | Grow | Sustain | Decay |
| 8 | Weak force | Magnetism | Strong force |
| 9 | Neutron | Electron | Proton |
| 10 | Neutral | Positive | Negative |
| 11 | Awareness | Activity | Lethargy |
| 12 | Joy | Excitement | Sorrow |
| 13 | Contentment | Hope | Depression |
| 14 | Nerves | Muscles | Fat |
| 15 | Knowledge | Power | Structure |
| 16 | Illuminating | Accelerating | Restraining |