Exploring the Gunas

Samkyha Philosophy and the science of yoga suggests that we and nature are divided into two distinct parts. Purusha, our indestructible part, the part that never changes and Prakriti, the part of the is forever changing, our humanness. 

Yoga helps us to understand our specific human limitations to reconnect to our soul, the part of us that is never changing. This human part, Prakriti has 3 major attributes called the Gunas (That which Binds Us) Tamas, Rajas & Sattva. They are the governing energies the make up nature and ourselves. 

Tamas brings density, darkness and delusion yet also the force responsible for materialisation and manifestation. Rajas is all about action and momentum, the force responsible for change and Sattva is related to light, clarity, the force connected to our Dharma and has the qualities of faith, honesty and wisdom.

From our unlimited nature a ‘Grand Idea’ is birthed, this is called ‘Mahad” and is the seed of every single being and determines the ingredients of our make up. For many different reasons this specific ratio may be put out of balance, our ego, our environment and this tends to take us away from our true nature. 

This law is called Alternation. Another law of the Gunas is Continuity where we attract more of what we are. Is what we’re in and how we are necessarily where we’re meant to be? No. How do we know as these energies are quite subtle and its challenging to understand. One way we can identify what Guna we’re in is through our emotions.

When we’re predominately in Tamas we have a tendency to go inward when triggered. We become overwhelmed, feel stuck, sad and direct the suffering towards ourselves. Rajas is quite the opposite, we get angry and vent energy outwards blaming other people and Sattva we are emotionally accountable and actively search for clarity and higher understanding based on self reflection.

Another way is through the quality of our meditation. An even simpler way to know is to be aware of our tolerance level and how seriously we take our selves. Our ability to laugh at ourselves. We’ve attached a worksheet for you to explore yourself a little further and to embody and experience the Gunas make sure you come practice in the next few weeks.