Trigunas
Sattva, rajas, and tamas — the three fundamental qualities pervading all creation, arising from the pulsation of cosmic prana breaking up Consciousness.
The Three Universal Qualities — Sattva, Rajas, Tamas
The pulsation of cosmic prana causes Consciousness to break up into three universal qualities (gunas) that pervade all Creation: sattva, rajas, and tamas. Because of the formation of an ego reference point (Ahamkara), these three gunas can be perceived as distinct, separate, and defined.
Sattva is the pure essence of light, right action, and spiritual purpose. It is perception, the knower, the light of Consciousness, potential energy. Sattva is described as jnanashakti — the energy of cognition. On the universal level, sattva is vast, clear space. Sattva is creative.
Rajas is the principle of movement, change, and excitability. It is the movement of perception, the process of attention, kinetic energy. Rajas is described as kriyashakti — the energy of action. On the universal level, rajas is atmosphere. Rajas maintains.
Tamas is inertia, darkness, and confusion. It is the precipitation of perception, experience, the known. Tamas is described as dravyashakti — material matter. On the universal level, tamas is solid substance. Tamas is destructive. The inaction of tamas (unconsciousness) differs from the inaction of Purusha (pure Consciousness).
Source: Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Chapter One: Shad Darshan (Six Philosophies of Life)
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