Triguna

Trigunas (Satva, Rajas and Tamas) – The three fundamental features of nature

TRIGUNAS (SATVA, RAJAS AND TAMAS) – THE THREE FUNDAMENTAL FEATURES OF NATURE
According to Ayurveda , man is made up of the five basic elements of nature, Panch Mahabhutas, that is, Akasa (Ether or Space), Vayu (air), Tejas (fire), Ap (water) and Prithvi (Earth). These five elements have evolved in man to form the different body organs and organ systems, out of which the five sense organs (the ears, skin, eyes, tongue and the nose) form the senses through which man perceives the external world in five different ways. Through these sense organs, the external object is not only felt, but also absorbed into the human body in the form of energy. This energy composes the human body in the form of three basic humors, known as the tridosha (three doshas).

The Tridoshas are also formed from Panch Mahabhutas, in Vata dosha, the mahabhuta involved are air (Vayu) & space (Akasa); in Pitta dosha, fire (agni) and water (Jala) are involved, and in Kapha dosha, water (Jala) & earth (Prithvi) mahabhuta are involved.[i] These humors (tridoshas) psychologically correspond to Trigunas (Satva, Rajas and Tamas), which play an important role in the manifestation of personality in humans.

The concept of Guna dates back to Atharva Veda, it was discussed in Bhagawad Gita and later included in Sankhya Darsana. The concept of Triguna has been utilized to explain the concept of personality in modern era as well.

Manas has been ascribed the functions which are mental functions and mental processes (manovritti, manopravritti). They are considered to be manifestations of Triguna. These psychological features are not restricted to humans alone, but are also attributed to almost all living beings, including the food we eat, animals around us and all other elements in the environment we live in. Each living being is said to have a predominance of one or the other feature, Guna/Prakriti, which gives that matter its unique quality.