Ashtanga Yoga: Eight Organs of Yoga

by Tirtha Acharya | Feb 6, 2024 | Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga: Eight Organs of Yoga

Eight organs of Yoga: Yoga has eight organs according to Patanjali Yoga Sutra. The Patanjali Yoga Philosophy states the following organs:

1. Yama: There are five Yamas is social observences. They are
2. Ahimsa (Non-violence): There are three types of violence- physical, mental, and verbal violence. If you kill or harm anyone physically, that is physical violence. Harming somebody by speech is verbal violence. Having wrong intentions or negativity for others is mental violence. Abstaining from this violence is the practice of Ahimsa.
3. Satya (Truthfulness): What you have spoken fulfill it, i.e. your words should be followed by your actions. Speak what is true. This is about honesty to the self as well.
4. Asteya (Non-stealing): This has a depth concept. Even if you use someone’s product without permission comes under stealing. Having greed for someone’s property is also a subtle form of stealing. Seizing someone’s right is stealing. Abstaining from all these stealing is the practice of Asteya.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession): Accumulating excessive worldly materials more than your need blocks you in your spiritual progress. Your mind will get attached to worldly things and you will be busy on these mundane things.
6. Brahmacharya: The term ‘Brahma’ means God and ‘charya’ means dwelling. Thus dwelling in God is brahmacharya. A question arises- how to dwell in god? Being mentally connected to the god or positive attributes is known as dwelling on God.

Abstaining from sexual activities and sexual thoughts is also said to be Brahmacharya. However, this is possible only when you transform sexual energy into spiritual energy.

1. Niyama: There are five Niyamas i.e. moral observances. They are
2. Shauch (purity): There are two types of purity- internal purity and external purity. Internal purity refers to mental purity i.e. free from the negativity in the mind. External purity refers to bodily and surrounding cleanliness.
3. Santosh (Contentment): Having satisfaction with what you have in life is contentment.
4. Tapaha: Making a hundred percent effort to achieve your spiritual awakenment and self-development is Tapaha.
5. Swadhyaya (Study of self): The study of scriptures which helps to realize the self and introspection (review, analysis, and survey of self) is known as Swadhyaya.
6. Ishwar Pranidhana (Dedication to God): It is devotion or surrender to the ultimate reality of existence. It is about the faith of universal law. 

• Asana: There are 84,00,000 asana according to Hatha Yoga. They are the physical postures. Static and comfortable position of the body is known as asana.

1. Pranayama: It is a breathing practice as an instrument of governing prana (vital life force energy). Pranayama is connected with breath or life force. When breath becomes silent, pranayama occurs. When the movement of breath is no more, pranayama happens.
2. Pratyahara: Control over your sense organs is pratyahara. Five sense organs keep wanting their food. For example- eyes want to see the views just for entertainment which is of no use for self-progress.  Skin just wants sensual pleasure. The tongue wants delicious taste without caring whether the food is healthy or unhealthy. Ears want to listen to various things. The nose wants to smell an odor.  These sense organs do not care about whether the things they are longing for are healthy or not. So it’s you who needs to get mastery over them. Pratyahra is also defined as the withdrawal of the senses.
3. Dharana: This is the sixth organ of yoga which refers to concentration. The binding of consciousness to a certain point, place, thing, or idea is known as Dharana. “Collection or concentration of the mind” or “the act of holding, bearing, wearing, supporting, maintaining, retaining, keeping back of awareness” are some translations of Dhāraṇā. Dharana is a technique that relaxes the mind. It helps the mind focus attention by removing it from events that cause difficulties. Since yoga calls for concentration on the body, the breath, or even a mantra, it can aid someone in learning the art of Dharana. By engaging in Dharana practice, we can become aware of our mental processes and the thoughts that interrupt us, which eventually results in longer intervals between them over time.

• Dhyana (Meditation): Dhyana is the seventh limb of yoga. When the duration of Dharana increases over three minutes, it becomes Dhyana. In Sanskrit, Dhyana is composed of two words ‘dhi’- which means mind or consciousness, and ‘yana’- which means flowing or moving. Thus, dhyana can be defined as a constant flow of consciousness or mindfulness. Here flow is directed towards the meditation process. So, it is a nonstop flow. The condition of dhyana is characterized by continuity and steadiness, just as the word flow itself does. The individual loses his sense of touch as he becomes engrossed in the bond he develops with the meditation object.
• Samadhi: Samadhi is the ultimate and eighth stage of yoga. The term is derived from Sanskrit roots; ‘sam’ means ” organized “, “together” or ” entirely,”  meaning “toward” and ‘dhe’, meaning “put.” Direct translations differ, and analyses stretch from “bliss” to “liberation” or “enlightenment.” It is the highest point of spiritual and intellectual activity. It is also a prerequisite to release samsara (no more cycle of birth and death). In yoga, the state of Samadhi is said to be the union of the individual and universal consciousness. After completing the initial stages of Patanjali’s eightfold path, the practitioner can attain this delightful state of competitive meditative absorption. Samadhi has great spiritual significance since it represents the highest level of union with the Divine and includes self-realization.   

Since the final three stages- Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi- are said to be intricately connected, they are generally referred to as Samyama (integration). Therefore, it is believed that concentration techniques are the way to genuinely contemplative states, which eventually result in samadhi. According to this definition, meditation is a condition of total absorption rather than a thinking or evaluation exercise.

Therefore, it is believed that concentration techniques are the way to genuinely contemplative states, which eventually result in Samadhi. According to this definition, meditation is a condition of total absorption rather than a thinking or evaluating exercise. Samadhi is described as a pleasant, serene mental state in which the practitioner loses the ability to distinguish between the act of meditation and any other sense of self. Upon liberating the self from ego and delusion of separation, Samadhi remains unaffected by sentiments like longing or rage. By connecting practitioners to their actual Self as one with universal consciousness, Samadhi serves this purpose.

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Yogic Breathing for trauma management and inner peace

by Tirtha Acharya | Jan 29, 2024 | Yoga

Yogic Breathing for trauma management | Role Of Pranayama for Inner Peace

Yogic Breathing (Pranayama) is very helpful for trauma management, mental tranquility, and spiritual development. Here we are going to discuss the pranayama mentioned in Patanjali Yoga Sutra (Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali). This will release all the negative emotions including trauma, fear, hatred, stress, anxiety, depression, etc.  This will prepare you to get victory over your mind and improve your spiritual practices.

Lets go through those fundamental types of breathing:

There are four types of pranayama mentioned in Yoga philosophy of Patanajali inchapter 2 verse number 50 and 51.

बाह्याभ्यन्तरस्तम्भवृत्तिर्देशकालसंख्याभिः परिदृष्टो दीर्घसूक्ष्मः ||2.50|| बाह्याभ्यन्तरविषयाक्षेपी चतुर्थः ||2.51||

The four types of Pranayama:

1. बाह्यवृत्ति प्राणायाम (Bahyavriti Pranayama) i.e. Breath out and retention
2. आभ्यन्तर वृत्ति प्राणायाम (Aabhyantatavriti Pranayama) i.e. Breath-in and retention
3. स्तम्भवृत्ति प्राणायाम (Stambhavriti Pranayama) i.e. Half Breath-in and retention, Half Breath out and retention.
4. बाह्याभ्यन्तर विषयाक्षेपी। (Bahyabhyantara Vishayakshipi Pranayama) i.e. Breath retention after previous retention (However teaching methods varies according to teachers)

Before learning these breathing techniques, you need to learn the proper way to breathe.

We generally do short breath. Now we have to practice long breaths.

Technique for long and deep breaths:

1. Sit down in a comfortable pose with your back and torso straight. Keep your eyes closed. Concentrate on your abdomen (2 inches below your navel).
2. Take a deep exhalation from your abdomen pushing it inwards. Feel the movement of breath from the abdomen to the nostrils.

• After breathing out, there can be a short natural pause for 1 second or more. After Pause of breath inhale long through your nostrils and feel the movement of breath from nostrils to abdomen.

1. After breath-in, there can be a natural pause and one cycle is over. In this way repeat for 5 to 10 minutes.

बाह्यवृत्ति प्राणायाम (Bahyavriti Pranayama) i.e. Breath out and retention

Technique:

1. Sit down in a comfortable with your back and neck straight. Keep your eyes closed.
2. Take a long breath out as long as you can. And retain the breath up to your comfortable moment.

• Inhale long and exhale long. After exhalation, again retain the breath up to your comfortable stage.

1. Repeat this process for 5 to 10 minutes.

Note: You can also engage Moola bandha (Root lock), Uddyana Bandha (abdominal lock) and Jalandhar Bandha (throat lock), as well if you know.

आभ्यन्तर वृत्ति प्राणायाम (Aabhyantatavriti Pranayama) i.e. Breath-in and retention

Technique

1. Sit down in a comfortable with your back and neck straight. Keep your eyes closed.
2. Take a long breath in as long as you can. And retain the breath up to your comfortable moment.

• Exhale long and inhale long. After inhalation, again retain the breath up to your comfortable stage.

1. Repeat this process for 5 to 10 minutes.

Note: You can also engage Moola bandha (Root lock), and Jalandhar Bandha (throat lock), as well if you know. 

3. स्तम्भवृत्ति प्राणायाम (Stambhavriti Pranayama) i.e. Half Breath-in and retention, Half Breath out and retention.

Technique- A

1. Sit down in a comfortable with your back and neck straight. Keep your eyes closed.
2. Take a long breath in as long as you can. And breathe out half of the duration that you could do fullest extent. And retain the breath up to your comfort stage and finally breathe out completely. In this way continue for 5 to 10 minutes.

Technique- B

1. Sit down in a comfortable with your back and neck straight. Keep your eyes closed.
2. Take a long breath out as long as you can. And breathe in half of the duration that you could do fullest extent. And retain the breath up to your comfortable stage and finally breathe in completely. In this way continue for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. बाह्याभ्यन्तर विषयाक्षेपी। (Bahyabhyantara Vishayakshipi Pranayama) i.e. Breath retention after previous retention (However teaching methods varies according to teachers)

Technique-1:

1. Sit down in a comfortable with your back and neck straight. Keep your eyes closed.
2. Concentrate on the base of your nose, just above your upper lip. Or you can concentrate on the nostrils’ passage.

• Try to watch your natural inhalation and exhalation. If you cannot notice your automatic or natural breath, you can take a long breath in and out for 2-3 times. This will help you to recognize your breath. And then you can work with natural and spontaneous breath again. Do it for at least 10 minutes. You can do longer as well up to one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening.

This practice can be done at any time whenever you are free. This practice is very helpful to develop mindfulness and release all types of mental defilements.

 The technique-2 can be practice should be practiced only with the teacher. If not practiced in the right way, it may create negative impacts.

Technique-2:

1. Sit down in a comfortable with back and neck straight. Keep your eyes close.
2. Take a long breath out as long as you can and retain the breath. When you feel that you cannot retain the breath any more try to breath out again. In this way repeat few times.
3. After that take a long breath in and retain the breath. When you feel you cannot retain the breath, then try breath in again. Repeat it for 5 to 10 minutes.

Benefits:

1. Pranayama (yogic breathing) increases your lung capacity and helps you to flow a sufficient amount of oxygen to your brain and body.
2. Pranayama cleanses your body from a subtler and deeper level. When the body is cleaned with pranayama, the specks of dirt or impurities (known as diseases) will be automatically washed. Thus this is the perfect way of attaining health.

• It purifies your mind and strengthens the capacity of the mind.

1. It increases focus, awareness, understanding, and creativity.
2. When your body and mind are purified you will start enjoying bliss and perfect harmony in life.

Contraindications:

1. Never practice pranayama if your abdomen is not empty. So the morning time before breakfast is the best. Or you can practice after a 5-hour gap of your meal. However, breath observation can be done at any time.
2. You can do pranayama only with an expert master especially if you have problems like high blood pressure and heart-related diseases.

• Practice pranayama only in a clean and airy environment.

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Struggling to Tone Your Arms? These 4 Essential Exercises Will Help You Achieve It

by Tirtha Acharya | Jan 23, 2024 | Yoga

Struggling to Tone Your Arms? These 4 Essential Exercises Will Help You Achieve It

Are you trying to tone your arms and need some help to achieve this? These yoga poses are fantastic exercises and provide many physical and health benefits. They also provide spiritual and mental benefits to those who practice consistently.

Here are some additional things you might experience when you maintain a regular practice:

• An increase in your metabolism – you will burn calories and start building lean muscle.
• Better physical performance – improving strength in your arms will make daily physical activities easier.
• Strengthening of your bones – some resistance exercises involved in toning your arms can lead to stronger bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis as you age.
• Improved posture – strengthening your shoulders and arms can help to improve your posture by relieving strain on your neck and lower back.
• Increased circulation throughout your body.
• Calming of the mind and relaxation of the body.

Equipment you’ll need for these exercises:

• A yoga mat
• Water to remain hydrated
• Wear comfortable, breathable clothing

Once you have everything you need, find the best time of day to practice these yoga poses, as your body and mind might respond differently at different times. Feel free to do the following exercises indoors or outdoors, but try to avoid extreme conditions such as very hot and humid or very cold conditions. Where and whenever you choose to do your exercises, make sure you are comfortable and fully hydrated.

Join us in these four essential, easy-to-follow yoga poses that will help you tone your arms.

1. Plank Pose (Phalakasana)

 Plank pose will not only tone your arms it will also help you to build strength in your wrists, forearms, biceps, and triceps. This pose also helps increase stability in your shoulders.

Easy-to-follow steps:

• Start in a push-up position with your arms extended and your hands lined up with your shoulders.
• Engage your core and leg muscles. Ensure your body is straight and your midsection is held off the ground.
• Hold the pose for 30 seconds or until you lose your form.
• If you want to increase the heat, you can get into full plank from Chaturanga Dandasana by pushing up from your hands.

Top tip: Hold the plank and focus on your breathing while you imagine pushing your body up to the sky.

2. Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)

 The four-limbed staff pose is a style of vinyasa yoga. This pose follows from the previous plank pose and is important in helping you to tone your arms.

Easy-to-follow steps:

• Start in a plank pose and bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle, lowering your body towards the ground. Keep your elbows close to your sides.
• Your body should be 3 to 4 inches above the ground.
• Engage your core and keep your body in a straight line.
• Hold this pose for 3 to 4 breaths or until you lose your form.

Top tip: Use your arm strength in this pose by engaging your triceps and biceps and tucking your elbows as close to your ribs as possible. If you need a little help, you can roll up a thick blanket and place it under your chest parallel to your spine to help you maintain your form.

3. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

This pose is ideal if you want to tone your arms, especially if you can flex your muscles while in position. Additionally, it helps to strengthen and stretch the shoulders.

Easy-to-follow steps:

• Start in a standing position with your hands at your sides. Make sure that you are balanced.
• Spread your legs in line with your shoulders, maintaining your center of balance. Your feet should now be shoulder distance apart.
• Inhale and simultaneously lift your arms with your palms facing the floor until you reach shoulder height.
• Exhale and at the same time, turn your torso to the left and bend your waist, bringing your right arm down to your left ankle. The palm of your right hand should be placed on the outside of your left ankle.
• Your left arm should now be extended upwards. Remember to keep your legs and arms straight, there should be no bending of the knees or elbows.
• Turn your head to the left and look up at the fingertips of your right hand.
• Inhale and return to your original standing position with your arms outstretched.
• Repeat the steps to the right side of your body.
• Feel free to repeat this exercise 2 to 3 times, noting that one repetition includes both the left and right sides.

Top tip: Execute this pose slowly and be mindful of your balance and positioning. Remember your breathwork.

4. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)

Downward-facing dog will spread your body weight between your arms and legs while also helping to rotate your shoulders. As a result, it will tone your arms as you are using them as a major point of support.

Easy-to-follow steps:

• Start on all fours, on your knees, your back straight, and your palms placed flat on your yoga mat. You should look like a makeshift table.
• Make sure your hands are shoulder-width apart and your legs are hip-width apart.
• Breathe out, slowly lifting your hips toward the ceiling. Your arms and legs should be straight, and your body should be in an upside-down V-shape.
• Push your hands into the ground as if you are pushing it away. Be mindful not to over-exert yourself.
• Open your shoulder blades and lengthen your neck by bringing your ears to touch your inner arms.
• Exhale and bend your knees, returning to your original starting position.

Top tip: Warm up your legs and arms before attempting this exercise.

Key points to remember that will help you achieve your goal:

 Warm up before doing any exercise.

• Be patient with yourself. Remember, results take time and effort.
• Quality over quantity, focus on your form.
• Consistency is key. Building a routine that fits in with your lifestyle is essential.
• Stay hydrated. Water regulates your body temperature, lubricates joints, and protects your muscles and organs.
• Listen to your body. Don’t overdo it or push yourself too hard.
• Always be mindful of your breathing.

Exercise doesn’t need to be a lengthy or laborious task. Spending just 20 minutes a day doing these four poses will tone your arms and deepen your practice in a physical, mental, and spiritual way.

Finding Tranquility: A Bundle of 20 Meditation Techniques to Transform Your Life

by Tirtha Acharya | Nov 30, 2023 | Yoga

Meditation Techniques to Transform Your Life

Cakra Meditation with Mantra – We chant and meditate on the resonance created by the chanting of sanskrit bija mantras that helps to bring positive energy in the body and mind.

Cakra Meditation and visualization – Each Cakra has its element. We connect with those elements by the use of visualization technique.

Cakra Meditation with breathing – Each Cakra is connected with a color. We connect cakra with the colors and breathing technique to activate energy channels.

Cakra Balancing technique – Each person has week and powerful energies by birth. We bring the harmony and balance in each cakra through breathing technique and visualization technique.

Yoga nindra – Yoga nindra is powerful technique that improves awareness, alertness and intuition.

Trataka – Candle light meditation is good for eyes, sleep and concentration. It is a very good practice for beginner.

Meditation wt mudra – Different powerful mudras like sambhavi, aghochori helps to enhance the meditation. We use many mudras along with the meditation practice.

Meditation with mantra – We use mantra chanting as a means of meditation. It is very good technique to balance our emotions.

Mantras like Ganesh Mantra,  Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Gayatri Mantra, Omkara Mantra etc.

Visualization Meditation – Om Kara meditation – We use the Om kara chanting meditation with the visualization technique. We also can combine the trataka method in this technique for better visualization.

Relaxive visualization Meditation – Visualization during deep relaxation can help to relax more effectively.

Ajapa japa Meditation – We combine different stages of chanting to make meditation more powerful in this technique. Many mantras can be used like Omkara.

Aana paana Breathe awareness Meditation – it is the simplest but yet effective technique to begin with. Breathe is an easy way to focus during the meditation.

Sohum Meditation – We use the sohum mantra along with the breathe observation practise. This helps to soothe our mind and mantra has also very calming effect on it.

Pet – Pranic Enersization technique is a meditation practised with different mudras and body scanning technique to bring a harmony and balance in an energy body.

Cyclic Meditation – In cyclic meditation we use series of yoga postures as a part of meditation.

Msrt – Mind sound resonance technique is a combination of mantra chanting on meditation. It is practiced more systematically connecting with the frequencies of the mantras in this technique.

Recalling Meditation – Recalling meditation is a technique of observation of action and its influence. It helps to calm down our overthinking mind.

Kirtan kriya Meditation – We combine the mudras with the Snatnam mantra which helps to awaken our energy and soothe the mind.

Five body awareness Meditation – In this meditation we practice the concept of five sheaths of body in yoga. It begins with body awareness and then dissolving in the essence of silence.

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Precaution For Practicing Yoga Asana

by Tirtha Acharya | Nov 28, 2023 | Yoga

Here are the list of precaution for practicing yoga asanas:

1)      Śauca (cleanliness) – Cleanliness or purity is an important requirement for Yoga practice. It embraces the cleanliness of the environment, body, and mind.

2)      Asanas and pranayama should be practiced on an empty stomach. If you feel hungry or weak, consume a little bit of fruit or juice or some liquid like a small amount of honey in lukewarm water, etc.

3)      Emptying the bladder and bowels before starting Yogic practices gives wonderful benefits.

4)      Practice periods should commence with Aum chanting and a prayer or an invocation as it generates a conducive setting to calm down the mind.

5)      Yogic practices should be carried out slowly, in a relaxed peaceful mode, with mindfulness of the body, breath, and activities.

6)      A joint exercise, subtle exercise, warm up or loosening exercise, and stretches before yoga- asanas are obligatory to avoid damage.

7)      Slowly performing asana will allow you to progress to more difficult asana with time.

8)      Satvik food helps to reach the depth of yoga. Avoid non-veg food, eggs, junk food, canned food, processed food, etc.

9)      Before beginning your yoga practice, remain hydrated.

10)   Dress in comfortable and supportive clothes. To allow for ease of body movement, cotton garments or other light and comfy clothes should be used.

11)   Yoga should be practiced in a place with good ventilation and a gentle breeze.

12)   When practicing yoga asana, use a mat with a good grip.

13)   While performing yoga poses, be mindful of your breathing.

14)   After yoga practice, use relaxation techniques like savasana to wind down.

15) Except when specially instructed to do so during the practice, do not hold your breath

16)   Unless specifically taught differently, breathing should always be done through the nose.

17)   Avoid overly tightening the body or jerking it violently.

18)   Perform the yoga-asana to the best of your ability. Good results take time to achieve, so perseverance and frequent practice are crucial.

19)   Some of the yoga poses have restrictions and contra-indications, and these contra-indications should constantly be kept in mind.

20)   An effective yoga practice should conclude with savasana and finally meditation, prolonged silence or Sankalpa or Śānti pāṭha, etc.

21)   The Yamas and Niyamas are yoga’s ethical principles and practices that are outlined in the first two limbs of Patanjali’s eightfold path. Together, they provide a moral code of behavior for the spiritual seeker.

The Yamas or restraints include Ahiṃsā (Nonviolence);  Satya (Truthfulness); Asteya (Not stealing); Brahmacharya (Marital fidelity, sexual restraint); Aparigraha ( Non-avarice, non-possessiveness).  Other attributes such as Patience, forgiveness, Fortitude, perseverance with the aim to reach the goal, Compassion, Non-hypocrisy, sincerity, Measured diet, etc. are also to be implemented.

The niyamas are behaviors or rituals to follow. They include-

1. Śauca (Wholesomeness, Pureness of mind, speech, and body);
2. Santoṣa (Contentment, satisfaction, acceptance of others and of one’s circumstances as they are, optimism for self)
3. Tapah (Austerity, self-discipline- insistent meditation, persistence)
4. Svādhyāya (Study of self, self-reflection, introspection of own feelings, speeches, and activities)
5. Īśvarapraṇidhāna- Observation of the Ishvara (God/ Absolute Being, highest consciousness).

Some important tips to be followed while practicing an asana (third limb of yoga):

1. Do not do asana without vinyasa. Here Vinyasa means careful linkage of breath and body. This past is very essential.
2. Always listen to your body while doing an asana. Try to experience the sensation of the body during the pose (asana)

iii. Whenever asana is intense, practice ujjyai breath, or long breath. Continue to observe your breath as well.

1. Try to feel the inner energy vibrations during the asana.
2. Feel the organs that are being engaged or stretched.

Some important tips to be followed while practicing a Pranayama (fourth limb of yoga):

1. Do not do pranayama very forcefully.
2. Duration of internal breath retention and external breath retention should be as long as you feel comfortable. Never try these activities beyond the limit of comfort.

iii. Empty abdomen is very important.

1. If you are suffering from High blood pressure or heart-related problems take special precautions from the yoga expert.

Avoid

1. Yoga should not be practiced when you are sick, exhausted, in a rush, or under intense stress.
2. In case of recovery from surgery, fracture, or sprains consultation with professionals.

iii. Regular yoga practice, especially intense and inverted asanas, should be avoided by women during their periods. Instead, you could practice gentle and easy asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques.

1. Avoid doing yoga right after eating. Wait until 2 to 3 hours following a substantial meal. After doing yoga, wait 30 minutes before taking a shower, drinking water, or eating.
2. Asana can be avoided in confrontational and thrilling weather like too cold or humid, too hot, etc.
3. Before yoga-asana practice, check with health professionals if you are pregnant, have serious diseases, have any injuries, etc.

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Triguna: Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas

by Tirtha Acharya | Nov 18, 2023 | Yoga

Triguna: Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas

Nature has three qualities which are known as Trigunas.  The universe comprises purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature). Those qualities are Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Prakriti is the manifestation of the universe’s gross and subtle stuff, both alive and non-living. The source of any instant or life, for that matter, is called Purusha.

In other words, Prakriti (nature) is within the realm of these three Gunas while Purusha (consciousness) is beyond these Gunas.

If one can discriminate between Purusha and Prakriti; it will be easier to understand Gunas, their effect and the path to get liberated from them.

Everything and everyone in this world is composed of these three traits, large and small, visible and invisible, living and non-living. Rajas is continuous activity- continuous movement of blood in our body is treated as Raja guna according to activity. Our minds sometimes can be Sattwa, rajas, or Tamas. Sattwa- during deep meditation, when you experience lightness, love, joy we feel self-love and joy, etc. When it swings wildly- is Raja Guna. When it stops properly functioning and is dull-  it is the Tamas gunas. Trigunas mold the immaterial and material characteristics in us. Our behavior, responses, conceptualization, and levels of understanding of the natural world will vary depending on how much each of the three trigunas, dominates. Due to external physical, physical, psychological and social influences, the inherited guna can be altered.

The attributes that are most evident at a given time influence behavior.  When the five components are interpreted by our five senses, processed by the mind, and altered by the dominant guna, the dominant guna will have an impact on the personality. Gunas are hence the last factors to affect a person’s personality. Everyone has the ego necessary to support their intellect with the information they perceive. Triguna, which are ego-derived, will determine which personality is dominant at a particular moment.

The sattva individual- is spiritually inclined, pure, and positive. One may calmly distinguish between favorable and unfavorable conditions at work. Love, compassion, kindness, and happiness increase with sattva nature. We are in a state of good health when sattwa is predominant.

Rajasic people- have lots of attachments and desires. They frequently lack moral judgment since they are so self-centered. When a person is enthusiastic, deeply interested, committed to their task, and successful, they are in the balancing Rajasic state. It serves as a link between sattva and tamas, balancing them. Insofar as it relates to passion, it inspires action, movement, proper action, and innovation for better change. One will experience rage, worry, and agitation if it is out of balance.

Tamas people is associated with ignorance and darkness. It was overcast with negativity, delusion, and boredom. Timing of sleep, balanced food, a love of nature, and care for others are all characteristics of a balanced Tamas condition. If it is out of balance, though, one gets possessive, wants to hurt other people, and experiences fleeting delight.

There are seven possible combinations of Gunas:

         i.            Foremost/ dominant Sattwa

       ii.            Foremost Rajas

      iii.            Foremost Ramas

     iv.            Prevailing/ dominant  Sattwa-Rajas

       v.            Prevailing  Sattwa- Tamas

     vi.            Prevailing Raja-Tamas

    vii.            Prevailing Sattwa-Rajas-Tamas

Through our actions, the intentions behind them, and our reactions, triguna can be seen. We must always ask ourselves two questions before taking any action: “Why am I doing this?” and “How am I doing this?” If you pay attention to it, it might be a different guna that dominates both intention and manifestation. If so, we can balance the dominating. How do you feel or respond when you consider that the activity taken has an effect on you? We must constantly strike a balance.

From Tama to Raja, we can take part in more physical activities, socialize with upbeat individuals, visit new places, and consume light fare.

These will increase our vigor and cause us to enter Raja state. From here, we can practice meditation, reading, charitable work, and adhering to Yamas to balance the surplus energy in order to get to Sattva. The secret is to observe and adjust for elevation.

The human body is made up of the three biological elements, or tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha). These three distinct categories known as the trigunas are used to categorize human intrinsic attributes. But it is a different way of categorizing the people.

Comparison of three Gunas:

The trigunas are essential mental elements. These three are also known as Mansa dosha i.e. the psychic constitution.

a.Tamas is underactive condition which is the lowermost. It is illiterate, slothful, bewildered, possessive, dull, and greedy, as well as ignorant and attached.

b. Rajas is an overactive condition. The trait is aggressive, ambitious, restless, and workaholic.

c) Sattva is the harmony of motion and stillness. A sattva state is one that is joyful, at ease, cordial, meditative, content, and compassionate.

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