The Nature of the Mind
In Ayurveda, the mind and body are both considered to be part of the physical realm of reality and are treated as such. Neither our bodies or our thoughts define who we are, but simply serve us as a tool to maneuver and experience reality in this universe. The patterns of the mind are especially important in helping you understand what imbalances are present and alive within you. The different expressions of the mind are defined as the maha gunas - sattva, rajas, and tamas. These three expressions can help you identify if you are in a clear or balanced state of thinking, being aware when you feel agitated, stressed, or withdrawn.
Sattva (Light)
Sattva is a state of mind or an expression of the mind that means “light”. It is a mental state of clarity, illumination, harmony, peace and contentment. It is the feeling you get when everything feels right, easy, and you have a deep sense of calm. You may have experienced this after a deep meditation, and rejuvenating yoga class, or just after a really nice day spent in nature. The sattvic mind is present when the doshas are in full balance, and you feel stable and balanced. It is a harmonious state of being, when you are moving in cadence with nature and life organically.
Rajas (Action)
Rajas means “action” and it is the energy that stimulates movement, change, innovation, inspiration, passion, and ambition. Rajas is the energy that propels energy, but in excess can cause you to feel burnt out, stagnant, depleted, or stuck. When the mental expression of rajas is present, it can cause you to feel discontentment or anxiety.
Tamas (Inertia)
Tamas is the energy of rest also translating to “inertia”. It manifests as stagnation, ignorance, attachment, and greed. It lives heavily in the materialistic world, and has a very dull and slow quality. This maha guna is provoked when you lack clarity and linger in indecision, inaction or discontentment. Excess or chronic tamas can lead to depression, laziness, and complacency.
