The Gunas: Tamas

The three Gunas are said to be the three qualities, attributes, or aspects of all matter. This matter, or Prakriti, all that is changing, is composed of a mixture of the Gunas: tamas, rajas, and sattva. We can usually identify our imbalances by noting which of these Gunas is dominating. In general, tamas’ qualities are dark, heavy, and inert. Rajas’ qualities are passionate, active, and energetic. Sattva’s qualities are balanced, harmonious, and light. Today we explore tamas.

Obviously tamas takes the cake, quite literally, for the guna that is the most negative in nature. Words like: lazy, heavy, ignorant, dark, hopeless, greedy, and dull are used to describe tamas, certainly not who or how we aspire to be. And while it may be helpful to note if we are feeling these ways, it certainly is not helpful to label ourselves or others in terms like this. All of the gunas are temporary, being they are what prakriti is made of. So while we may feel a way or feel tamasic, it does not mean we ARE that way. The faster we can identify with our true nature, which is pure and unchanging, the faster, we can mix up a recipe to re-balance ourselves.

If our current recipe is one of inactivity, isolation, processed foods, and ignorant communication with self and others, then we can slowly start to add ingredients of activity, community, healthy foods, and loving speech. Rather than judging and condemning ourselves for exhibiting tamas, we can employ curiosity and compassion as to how and why tamas is taking ahold over us. Not only will this gift us a deeper knowing of thyself, it will gift us a deeper understanding of others as well.

It is also important to recognize the helpful qualities of tamas, that might be disguised or dismissed, especially by a society that is obsessed with action and outward appearances. What might get labeled as lazy, could just as easily be rest and recovery. What might be judged as ignorance is perhaps quiet contemplation. What might be seen isolation, is in fact, inward observation.

Let us be sure to use our spirituality as a light saber to simply light the way way for ourselves versus a sword that cuts and condemns our fellow brothers and sisters. We don’t know what we don’t know, and our only job is to really know ourselves.

Thank you so much Dear Reader,

I find it so important to always remember that regardless of where we are on our spiritual journey, wether we have “done the work” or not, that we are never “better than.” Sometimes its habit to cast judgement, and when I find myself doing so, it’s really an opportunity for me to go within and be curious about where my judgement is coming from, and more times than not, it’s from a place of unworthiness. May you know your worthiness and feel it too!

Blessings,

Andrea Dawn