Yogas 3 aspects of Nature - Guna - Meditation Retreats Bali

The 3 Gunas of nature according to Yoga

In yoga a guna is a ‘tattva ‘ (element of reality) that can affect our emotions, psychology or energetic states. Being aware and conscious of the three gunas is a masterful way to reduce stress, increase inner peace and progress towards freedom. Happiness.

Guṇa (गुण, “quality”).— the constituent elements of the primordial matter called prakṛti. Prakṛti is consisted of three guṇas.
– The Sāṃkhya system

sattva (goodness),
rajas (passion),
tamas (darkness).

Guna loosely translates from Sanskrit as Quality. It therefore relates to the fundamental 3 qualities of all of nature. Including us human beings.

It is best expressed in Samkhya’s Philosphy

Samkhya’s Hindu Philosophy

According to Samkhya, we each have in us these ‘qualities: Tamas – Inertia, Rajas – Passion and Sattva – Harmony or sometimes goodness.

Samkhya speaks of Gunas to identify behavior and natural phenomena.

Let’s take a look at how this is seen within this consideration.

Sattva

Consists of the tendencies of balance, universality, harmony, goodness, purity, constructive, creative, evolutionary, positive, peaceful, virtuous

Rajas

Is the dynamic, active, of passion (neither good nor bad and sometimes either), egoistic, individualizing, driven, moving and self-centeredness

Tamas

The qualities of inertia or lethargy, imbalance, disorder, chaos, anxiety, impure, destructive, delusion, negative, dull or inactive, apathy, violent, vicious, ignorant

In this philosophical consideration these qualities are said to be present in everyone and everything in varying proportions and diverse contexts.

In the living person or within the ego mind , each quality makes up the whole. Or can be dominant at any time in any circumstance.

The idea is to surrender these into the life force, into nature or the universe itself.

To surrender these lower mind matter into a higher consciousness

But it’s my Nature! Why? How?

Yes, you can say it is your nature. And, all gunas are consistently present in all beings and objects surrounding us; all matter, and consciousness. And, they are in flux and vary in their relative amounts.

We human beings have the unique capacity to consciously alter the levels of the gunas in our bodies and minds. These aspects that make us up cannot be removed from us they are a part of us and necessary for us to be here.

However, they can be consciously worked with and can be increased or decreased in relation to our thoughts, lifestyle choices and practices. And how we relate to external objects, influencing our life. If we don’t be aware of them we live unconsciously and are controlled by external forces that effect them.

Let me give you an Example (It’s made up)

Today I don’t feel like doing anything, I’m tired, fed up, emotionally and physically drained, So I called my friend and orgainsed to go to the pub for the afternoon, to have some fun and let go – Tamas

I have a lot to do though, as I’ve committed to a new project to help with Climate Change Awareness – Rajas. Now I’m a little stressed because I wont get anything done – Tamas – But I need to relax and have some fun – Rajas.

Breathe – Sattva

After a couple of breaths, I realise I need to stretch. So, I do my morning Asanas – Sattva – I’m starting to feel better.

But, I haven’t really solved my problem “Work or go to the pub and have fun” – Rajas – I sit down to meditate to clear my mind – Sattva – I feel free, relaxed and hungry. I eat some grains and eggs (protein) and make a yummy fresh juice with my organic oranges, watermelon and ginger – Sattva.

While I’m eating I realise I feel better, relaxed, energised – Sattva – and begin to ponder the artwork I have to do for my project. It’s exciting, I’m passionate about it – Rajas. I really want to get into it. So, I ring my friend and say “Sorry I can’t come to the pub! I’ve got to finish my artwork, But, I’d really like to see you, how about you come for dinner”. My friend agrees. Phew – Sattva

I’m feeling good.

I’ve taken some pressure off myself. But, I realise I’m still tired and probably should relax also – Tamas – I begin to think about Tamas and how it’s just as important to relax as it is to act. Yet, to do it in a healthy way, consciously, mindfully – In balance with my own nature. And that I also need enjoyment, happiness – Rajas.

So before I get into my work, I go for a walk along the river, slowly and gently and lay under a tree for a bit – Tamas, Raja and Sattva . After a while I feel so good, so in tune. I grab my pencil and paper and start drawing my art piece for the project I’m meant to be working on.

A few hours later, on the way home, I stop off at the fruit and vege stall and grab some fresh organic veges for dinner and grab a lovely bottle of Dry White to go with the Jasmine rice I’m making; to spend some time to connect with my lovely friend – Sattva.

After she leaves I do a little Aum chanting to get in touch with my true nature. Turiya

Warm Blessings

Megan

Megan Jackson runs meditation and yoga retreats for women’s healing. She has been immersed in spiritual practice and study for 15 years, living it fully, with humility and compassion as her backbones for progress. She lives a quiet life reflecting on the dharma, being with nature and helping others who are wanting change, transformation or spiritual wisdom.