Learn About The Three Gunas: Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva
To first understand what the three gunas in Kundalini Yoga are, you should know one thing. The word ‘guna’ is Sanskrit stand for qualities or strands. Put simply, these are energetic forces that come together to create everything we know and observe in the universe.
What are the Three Gunas?
We believe that there are three gunas in Kundalini Yoga, and that each of them has its own individual set of characteristics. Often enough, we can think of the gunas as the tendencies that each of us has, i.e. how we choose to respond in circumstances.
The three gunas are always present in our everyday lives. However, it is important to note that they are continually shifting and changing. The relationship that they have with one another will develop and transform over time, depending on the situation you are in.
One of the gunas is more dominant than others in certain situations. The mode depends entirely on the type of challenge that you are facing. For example, if you get upset because someone is rude to you at work, it may be that rajas is the dominant force.
On the other hand, should you feel anxious in social situations, your tamas may have taken over. Fortunately, when you practice Kundalini Yoga, you can feel the joyous Sattva.
Rajas
Rajas has a high-frequency and is all about movement. This is the energy which encourages change, movement, transformation, passion, and enthusiasm. For instance, when you start a new project at work and you’re excited, it is likely that rajas takes over.
However, there are two sides to this guna. While it can elicit feelings of passion, these can turn to agitation or anger. When you feel extremely strongly about a subject matter, you may find that you are annoyed when others do not agree with your line of thought.
Tamas
Next up, tamas is all about stability and staying in one place. Like the other guna mentioned, this one can be both positive and negative. Tamasic energy can make you feel strong, stable, and dependable when it’s at its best. However, there is another side to it.
When we experience low moods, depression, or anxiety, it is tamas that is the dominant force in our bodies. In extreme cases, this experience can make people feel so exhausted that they struggle to get out of bed or do anything. It is a slow and heavy feeling.
Sattva
Sattva is all about compassion, truth, and selfless actions. We can cultivate the sattva force through practicing Kundalini Yoga and becoming more in-tune with our actions. When this guna is the dominant force, you will feel focused, calm, and prepared.
It is a moment of pure zen and peace. When we rid ourselves of our ego and become free from its restraints, we can experience the force of sattva moving within us. The more you commit yourself to your personal practice and self-development, the more you feel this.
The Takeaway!
Understanding the three gunas in Kundalini Yoga will help you create a sense of balance. These forces can have a powerful effect on your day-to-day life. Now that you know about them, why not learn more about Kundalini Yoga theory today?
See more: 5 Ways to Enhance Your Sadhana (Personal Practice)
