What are the Gunas in Yoga?

The word Guna  means  “strand." Like strands of a rope, the gunas are woven together. The Gunas are more like states of mind.  While the Doshas are more like our personalities tendencies.  Of course, these two sets of three are interwoven.   Once we figure out our tendencies in personality and state of mind we can then select ways to help transform our Self through the most beneficial balancing practices.   Like creates like so, many of the balancing practices are ways to, for example, cool fire.   We all have all three, just like the Doshas (Personaliy Types), but may feel one is dominate in our life at any given time.

Sattva

Sattva is a state of mind that is balanced and tranquil. It is the root of the word Sattvajay, which is the use of ayurveda and yoga to draw the mind to its natural state of balance, tranquility, and clarity.  The goal is  healing and transforming the mind.

Rajas

Rajas is a state of mind that is full of movement, simulation, impulse, and feels imbalanced.  This may be defined as ADD, lack of focus, shatter brained, hyper, monkey mind.  Rajas is also passion and energy. Rajas gets us going and keeps us going.

Tamas

Tamas is a state of Mind that feels stuck,  heavy, and, immobilized.  It is characterized by the freeze in the flight, flight, or freeze response and feelings of overwhelm.  Tamas is also steady.  Tamas makes us take a break and rest.