These individual differences in
psychological and moral dispositions and their reactions to
socio-cultural and physical environments are described in all the
classic texts of Ayurveda.
Satvic qualities imply essence, reality,
consciousness, purity and clarity of perception which are responsible
for goodness and happiness.
All movements and activities are due to
Rajas. It leads to the life of sensual enjoyment, pleasure and pain,
effort and restlessness.
Tamas is darkness, inertia, heaviness and
materialistic attitudes.
There is a constant interplay of these three
qualities (gunas) in the individual consciousness, but the relative
predominance of either satva, rajas, or tamas is responsible for
individual psychological constitution.
Satvic
The
people in whom satvic qualities predominate are religious, loving,
compassionate and pure minded. Following truth and righteousness, they
have good manners, behavior and conduct. They do not get easily upset
or angry. Although they work hard mentally, they do not get mental
fatigue, so they need only several hours of sleep each night. They look
fresh, alert, aware, and full of luster, wisdom, joy and happiness.
They are creative, humble and respectful of their teachers. Worshipping
God and humanity, they love all. They care for people, animals, trees,
and are respectful of all life and existence. They have balanced
intuition and intelligence.
Rajasic
The
people in whom rajasic qualities predominate are egoistic, ambitious,
aggressive, proud, competitive, and have a tendency to control others.
They like power, prestige, position, and are perfectionists. They are
hard working people, but are lacking in proper planning and direction.
They are ungrounded, active and restless. Emotionally, they are angry,
jealous, ambitious, and have few moments of joy due to success. They
have a fear of failure, are subject to stress, and soon lose their
mental energy. They require about eight hours of sleep. They are
loving, calm and patient only as long as their self interests are
served. They are good, loving, friendly and faithful only to those who
are helpful to them. They are not honest to their inner consciousness.
Their activities are self- centered and egotistical.
Tamasic
The
people in whom tamasic qualities predominate are less intelligent. They
tend towards depression, laziness, and excess sleep, even during the
day. A little mental work tires them easily. They like jobs of less
responsibility, and they love to eat, drink, sleep and have sex. They
are greedy, possessive, attached, irritable, and do not care for
others. They may harm others through their own self interest. It is
difficult for them to focus their minds during meditation.
|
