Know Your Mental Constitution
Mental Constitution
The state of the mind is a very important aspect of a person. The 'rishis' (sages) understood that everything in this world has got three principal modes. The tendency to act, rest and balance is within all living entities. Rajas, Tamas and Satva (together known as the tri-gunas) are the three modes of the universe inherent in every particle, without which we can't exist. Generally these three modes are applied to understanding the mind, since the mind is the more subtle aspect of our body.
The three modes are not permanent. They are changeable according to our association and action. One can change the modes of mind through constant practice. We can evolve from Rajas or Tamas to Satva, the balance and harmony, through acute self awareness, humility and diligence. A well-balanced male should have 70% Satva, 20% Rajas and 10% Tamas. A well-balanced female should have 70% Satva, 10% Rajas and 20% Tamas. While a true guru would be 100% Satvic.
To determine your current predominant mental state look at the following:
Mental Clarity |
Satva |
Rajas |
Tamas |
Concentration |
Very clear |
Hyperactive |
Cloudy |
Memory |
Good |
Moderate |
Poor |
Will power |
Good |
Moderate |
Poor |
Honesty |
Strong |
Variable |
Weak |
Peace of mind |
Always |
Mostly |
Rarely |
Creativity |
Generally |
Occasionally |
Rarely |
Spiritual study |
High |
Moderate |
Low |
Mantra/Prayer |
Daily |
Occasionally |
Never |
Meditation |
Daily |
Occasionally |
Never |
Selfless service |
Often |
Occasionally |
Rarely |
Relationships |
Harmonious |
Passionate |
Disturbed |
Anger |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Frequently |
Fear |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Frequently |
Desire |
Little |
Some |
Uncontrollable |
Pride |
Modes |
Some ego |
Vain |
Depression |
Never |
Sometimes |
Frequently |
Love |
Universal |
Personal |
Lacking in love |
Violent Behaviour |
Never |
Sometimes |
Frequently |
Attachment |
Detached |
Occasionally |
Attached |
Forgiveness |
Forgive easily |
With effort |
Grudges |
Diet |
Vegetarian |
Some meat |
Frequent meat |
Addictive behavior |
Never |
Occasionally |
Frequently |
Sensory impression |
Calm |
Mixed |
Disturbed |
Sleep requirement |
Little |
Moderate |
Excessive |
Sexual activity |
Controlled |
Intense |
uncontrollable |
Control of senses |
Good |
Moderate |
Low |
Speech |
Peaceful |
Agitated |
Dull |
Cleanliness |
High |
Moderate |
Low |
Work |
Selfless |
Reward centered |
Aimless |
Satva is characterized by balance and harmony. It is the state of harmony, indiscrimination, stability of mind, efficiency of handling matters without partiality and selfishness, emotional stability and detachment. Satvic people tend to have an inherent instinct for cleanliness and possess an effortless wisdom reflected in their action. They don't tend to worry, be anxious or panic. They do things in a systematic, intelligent and peaceful way. Satva is the peaceful, calm state of mind exemplified by the world's saintly people. When Satva declines we resort to Rajas or Tamas, depending upon the person's activities.
Rajas are the inherent tendency to be active. This is essential to get things done. When in excess, Rajas results in hyperactivity, aggression, passion, severe attachment, agitation and regrettable actions. When unbalanced Rajas is considered a disturbing influence on the mind. Rajasic people tend to be power hungry and dissatisfied with what positions or possessions they obtain, they are constantly striving for more often at the cost of those around them. They have a brave yet jealous and cruel character.
Tamas presents as inertia. Rest or sleep is impossible without this quality. It provides grounding and stability. Its increase results in inertia, laziness, apathy, ignorance and depression. Excessive Tamas is darkness. Tamasic people tend to avoid work, with a penchant for uncontrolled sense of gratification and wasting time. They avoid cleanliness and are not health conscious.
