Know your Mental Constitution

Three Gunas

The state of the mind is a very important aspect of a person. The 'rishis' (sages) understood that everything in this world has got three principal modes. The tendency to act, rest and balance is within all living entities. Rajas, Tamas and Sattva (together known as the tri-gunas) are the three modes of the universe inherent in every particle, without which we can't exist as recommended by Indian Ayurveda . Generally these three modes are applied to understanding the mind, since the mind is the more subtle aspect of our body. 

The three modes are not permanent. They are changeable according to our association and action. One can change the modes of mind through constant practice. We can evolve from rajas or tamas to satwa, the balance and harmony, through acute self awareness, humility and diligence. A well-balanced male should have 70% sattva, 20% rajas and 10% tamas. A well-balanced female should have 70% sattva, 10% rajas and 20% tamas. While a true guru would be 100% satvic.

To determine your current predominant mental state look at the following:

Mental Clarity	Sattva	Rajas	Tamas
Concentration   Memory   Will power   Honesty   Peace of mind   Creativity   Spiritual study   Mantra/Prayer   Meditation   Selfless service   Relationships   Anger   Fear   Desire   Pride   Depression   Love   Violent Behaviour   Attachment   Forgiveness   Diet   Addictive behaviour   Sensory impression   Sleep requirement   Sexual activity   Control of senses   Speech   Cleanliness   Work	Very clear   Good   Good   Strong   Always   Generally   High   Daily   Daily   Often   Harmonious   Rarely   Rarely   Little   Modes   Never   Universal   Never   Detached   Forgive easily   Vegetarian   Never   Calm   Little   Controlled   Good   Peaceful   High   Selfless	Hyperactive   Moderate   Moderate   Variable   Mostly   Occasionally   Moderate   Occasionally   Occasionally   Occasionally   Passionate   Sometimes   Sometimes   Some   Some ego   Sometimes   Personal   Sometimes   Occasionally   With effort   Some meat   Occasionally   Mixed   Moderate   Intense   Moderate   A gitated   Moderate   Reward centered	Cloudy   Poor   Poor   Weak   Rarely   Rarely   Low   Never   Never   Rarely   Disturbed   Frequently   Frequently   Uncontrollable   Vain   Frequently   Lacking in love   Frequently   Attached   Grudges   Frequent meat   Frequently   Disturbed   Excessive   uncontrollable   Low   Dull   Low   Aimless

Sattva

Sattva is characterized by balance and harmony. It is the state of harmony, indiscrimination, stability of mind, efficiency of handling matters without partiality and selfishness, emotional stability and detachment. Satvic people tend to have an inherent instinct for cleanliness and possess an effortless wisdom reflected in their action.

Rajas

Rajas is the inherent tendency to be active. This is essential to get things done. When in excess, Rajas results in hyperactivity, aggression, passion, severe attachment, agitation and regrettable actions. When unbalanced rajas is considered a disturbing influence on the mind. Rajasic people tend to be power hungry and dissatisfied with what positions or possessions they obtain, they are constantly striving for more often at the cost of those around them. They have a brave yet jealous and cruel character.

Tamas

Tamas presents as inertia. Rest or sleep is impossible without this quality. It provides grounding and stability. Its increase results in inertia, laziness, apathy, ignorance and depression. Excessive tamas is darkness.Tamasic people tend to avoid work, with a penchant for uncontrolled sense of gratification and wasting time. They avoid cleanliness and are not health conscious


Published by Student of rajiv gandhi ayurvedic medical college ron 582201