Ayurveda is more than just the body and constitution theory of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurvedic psychology distinguishes between three characteristics that characterise our personality: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
Ayurveda - the knowledge of life
In classical Ayurveda, life is understood as a combination of body, senses, mind and soul. „The knowledge of this concept of life is recognised by those who know
is considered the most meritorious, for it sets forth the welfare of human beings for the two worlds (this world and the hereafter).“ (Caraka Samhita, Su.1.42-43)
The body consists of five elements whose properties are summarised in three groups called Vata, Pitta and Kapha to describe physical functions. Each element is assigned a sensory organ.
The spirit is immaterial and is characterised by three qualities: sattva, rajas and tamas. Its most important abilities are the faculties of discernment, decision, determination and memory. Its activities lie in perceiving, processing, analysing, reasoning and self-control. It controls all sensory and action organs. We hear, feel, see, taste and smell through our mind. The western „psyche“ is a part of our mind.
The body, senses and mind are transient, constantly changing and subject to the alternation of health and illness. They can be described and influenced by their characteristics.
The soul is understood as absolute intelligence, knowledge, consciousness and reality beyond space and time. It represents the dimension of unity beyond health and illness, is imperishable, free of characteristics, unchangeable and therefore uninfluenceable.
Sattva, Rajas & Tamas - the basis of Ayurvedic psychology
The triguna (SRT) are used to describe mental constitutions and states. Constitutionally, we come into the world with an initial imprint that can be influenced and changed to a large extent from then on.
There is an important difference between the three body principles Vata, Pitta and Kapha (VPK) and the mental triguna: physical health is the result of the dynamic balance of VPK, mental health comes from the maximisation of Sattva. SRT are therefore not considered equally weighted.
The one from Sattva is dominated by harmony, peace, calm, high intelligence and deep realisation. Under the sattvic influence, all mental functions work in the best possible state and there is an intense desire for answers to life's existential questions and fulfilment of meaning.
The one from Rajas The mind, which is characterised by its own personality, is caught between attachment to the desired and aversion to the undesired. It is full of passion and identifies with itself. Rajas is our motor for achieving goals and the source of motivation. Everyday active behaviour is under the primary influence of rajas.
The one from Tamas The mind shaped by tamas is characterised by inner resistance, inertia and ignorance. Tamas inhibits our intelligence and minimises the human potential for growth and knowledge in favour of primitive animal qualities of survival and reproduction.
Based on the description of SRT, the most important guiding principle is as follows:
MAXIMISE SATTVA! - CONTROL RAJAS - MINIMISE TAMAS!
The quality of mind that prevails in the individual most of the time defines the corresponding state of mind.
Sattva promotes all mental faculties and generates mental health. „The one determined by sattva endures everything, for he supports his Self through himself.“ (Sushruta Samhita 1.35.37)
The following 10 habits strengthen Sattva:
- Daily meditation practice
- Consistent mindfulness in all actions
- Daily reflection on the experience and sharing it with like-minded people
- The community with other people characterised by sattva
- Lifelong learning and daily mental training
- Control of attachment to sensual pleasures (sex, stimulants, drugs)
- Non-violent communication and active action for peace and harmony
- Generosity - more giving than receiving
- Truthfulness in thought, speech and action
- Daily cleansing and care of our body from the inside and outside
Rajas works selectively in favour of selfish motives. If it is controlled by sattva, its energy can be channelled in a healthy, beneficial direction. Without sattva, the increasing tension leads to mental stress and the development of aggression, anger, envy, greed and fear.
The following habits strengthen Rajas:
- Exclusive focus on material success
- Non-stop work without regeneration and reflection
- Competition at work, in sport and in private life
- Constant comparison of own social status and material possessions with others
- Excessive consumption of meat, alcohol, hot spices, caffeine and stimulants
Tamas results in inertia and leads to the loss of all mental faculties, resulting in psychopathological states. Overcoming tamas requires directed activity, the path to sattva is only through rajas.
The following habits reinforce tamas:
- Excessive sleep, even during the day
- Lack of education, training and refusal to work
- Disinterest in fellow human beings and world events
- Wandering, hanging around, quarrelling, violence, criminal offences
- Pleasure-orientated lifestyle with excessive sex, drug and stimulant consumption
Vata, Pitta and Kapha characterise our body constitution. Profound physical changes take a long time and are only possible naturally within the constitutional framework.
Sattva, rajas and tamas are more dynamic and more easily changeable. Every thought, every word and every deed are deposits into our spiritual „account“ - so open your new sattva account today and pay a certain amount into it every day. Such an interest rate is beyond your imagination!
With best wishes for your health,
Ralph Steuernagel
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