Triguna (त्रिगुण)

The Trigunas are the three fundamental qualities of the mind (Manas). They are: 1. Sattva (purity, clarity, harmony, and.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति मानसाः स्मृता गुणाः।

— (Classical Interpretation)

Explanation

The Trigunas are the three fundamental qualities of the mind (Manas). They are: 1. Sattva (purity, clarity, harmony, and balance), 2. Rajas (activity, passion, desire, and agitation), and 3. Tamas (inertia, darkness, dullness, and heaviness). While all three are always present, the predominance of one Guna determines an individual’s psychological state and temperament.

Clinical Importance

Mental health in Ayurveda is assessed through the lens of the Gunas. The goal of all mental therapies, diet, and lifestyle advice is to increase Sattva while reducing the disturbances caused by excess Rajas and Tamas.