(“quality”) A basic
notion that originated in the Samkhya philosophical tradition but has since
become one of the most important concepts in Hindu thought.
The term guna literally means "strand," and hence
a "quality," of which three are said to exist: sattva
("goodness"), rajas ("passion"), and tamas
("darkness").
These three properties, according to the Samkhyas, were in
perfect harmony prior to the development of prakrti (primal matter).
Prakrti developed into the subjective self and the objective
world when mental activity started to disrupt the equilibrium.
These three fundamental properties are shared by all objects
and creatures in the world, yet their type and inclinations vary depending on
the amounts.
The quality sattva is always positive and associated with
righteousness, truth, wholesomeness, health, cognitive thinking, and a rich
religious life.
Tamas is a negative attribute that is linked to darkness, ignorance,
laziness, spoiling, and death.
Depending on the situation, Rajas may be either beneficial
or detrimental.
It is negative when one's emotions make one a slave to them,
blinding him or her to serious and aware thinking.
Passions, on the other hand, may encourage activity and
productivity.
Despite the fact that much of Samkhya metaphysics has been
disproved, the idea that all things get their tendencies from the proportions
of these three gunas has been ingrained in Indian society.
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