Changes

There is always prominence of some guna manifested in one's dealings.<ref name=":1" /> And when one of the gunas prevails over the other two, it produces its own effect which is described as knowledge and happiness in case of sattva, attachment and action-orientedness in case of rajas and veiled discrimination power, lethargy and carelessness in case of tamas.<ref name=":2" /> Therefore, by the manifested activities, the inherent or prominent guna of an individual can be understood. And by practice, one may nurture the prominence of the desired guna in oneself.<ref name=":1" />

There is always prominence of some guna manifested in one's dealings.<ref name=":1" /> And when one of the gunas prevails over the other two, it produces its own effect which is described as knowledge and happiness in case of sattva, attachment and action-orientedness in case of rajas and veiled discrimination power, lethargy and carelessness in case of tamas.<ref name=":2" /> Therefore, by the manifested activities, the inherent or prominent guna of an individual can be understood. And by practice, one may nurture the prominence of the desired guna in oneself.<ref name=":1" />

== सत्त्वाविर्भावः ॥ Manifestation of Sattva<ref name=":1" /> ==

== सत्त्वस्याविर्भावः ॥ Manifestation of Sattva<ref name=":1" /> ==

According to the Bhagavad Gita, when the light of knowledge shines through all the gateways of the body, that is known as the manifestation of sattva.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>सर्वद्वारेषु देहेऽस्मिन्प्रकाश उपजायते । ज्ञानं यदा तदा विद्याद्विवृद्धं सत्त्वमित्युत ॥१४.११॥<ref name=":3" />

According to the Bhagavad Gita, when the light of knowledge shines through all the gateways of the body, that is known as the manifestation of sattva.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>सर्वद्वारेषु देहेऽस्मिन्प्रकाश उपजायते । ज्ञानं यदा तदा विद्याद्विवृद्धं सत्त्वमित्युत ॥१४.११॥<ref name=":3" /> sarvadvāreṣu dehe'sminprakāśa upajāyate । jñānaṁ yadā tadā vidyādvivr̥ddhaṁ sattvamityuta ॥14.11॥</blockquote>Here, by gateways are meant the senses, which are the gateways of perception.<ref name=":2" /> In the mode of sattva, one can see, hear, taste, experience all things in the right manner and thereby becomes cleansed inside and outside.<ref name=":1" /> Therefore, cultivation of sattva is considered the highest virtue in the relative world. However, if excessively cherished, sattva degenerates into rajas and tamas, which are always present, in however small proportion, along with sattva. Hence, moksha is described as consisting in transcending all the three gunas.<ref name=":2" />

 

sarvadvāreṣu dehe'sminprakāśa upajāyate । jñānaṁ yadā tadā vidyādvivr̥ddhaṁ sattvamityuta ॥14.11॥</blockquote>What is the characteristic mark by which to know that sattva is predominant ?SN

 

The manifestations of the mode of goodness can be experienced when all the gates of the body are illuminated by knowledge.

 

When the light of knowledge shines through all the gateways of the body, then it may be known that sattva has prevailed.SN

 

By gateways is meant the senses, which are, for the soul, the gateways of perception.SN

 

Cultivation of sattva is the highest virtue in the relative world. However, if cherished too much, sattva soon degenerates into rajas and tamas, which are always present, in however small proportion, along with sattva. For, liberation consists in transcending all the gunas.SN

 

 

== Excess of Rajas and Tamas<ref name=":1" /> ==

== Excess of Rajas and Tamas<ref name=":1" /> ==