The term 'sattva' literally means essence, purity, and character of mind. It is one of the three fundamental qualities (triguna). [A.S.Sutra Sthana 1/29][1] It is characterized by lightness, knowledge, and enlightenment.[2] Psychological constitution, bio typology or body mind typology is an important concept of Ayurveda. Every individual has distinct physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics. Ayurveda classical texts provide a framework to help to understand an individual's mental constitution. The concept of sharira and manasa prakriti (somatic and psychic constitution) help to explain differences across individuals. The concept of the manas includes aspects of psychology, mind, and mental health. There are three characteristics of mind (mana) viz. sattva, rajas, and tamas. These represent awareness, activity, and inertia, respectively. When one of these three is dominant in a person, that reflects in his or her personality. In Shreemadbhagwat Geeta, three attributes of nature are described: Sattva, rajas, and tamas.[3]
1) Sattva guna is the attribute of light or intelligence, which is the state of complete balance.
2) Rajas guna represents motion, ignorance, or action.
3) Tamas guna is representative of inertia and darkness.
These are the three primary and omnipresent qualities that work behind all the material substances in the universe. Sattva is the initiator of the universe as per Ayurveda [Su.Sa.Sharira Sthana 1/9][4] and Sankhya philosophy. It represents purity and authenticity. Hence it is quality of mind. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/57] [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 8/5] This article describes the concept of sattva and its importance in healthcare practices.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts / Sattva |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bhojani M.K.1, Sharma Raksha 1, Joglekar A.A.2 |
| Reviewer | Basisht G.3 |
| Editor | Deole Y.S.4 |
| Affiliations |
1 Department of Kriya Sharira, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India , New Delhi, India 2Department of Samhita Siddhant, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India, New Delhi, India 3 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 4Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India |
| Correspondence email | meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
| Date of first publication: | August 18, 2022 |
| DOI | In process |
Synonyms of sattva
Mana, shuddham, kalyanam
Etymology
The word sattva is derived from two terms, 'sat' and 'tva', satto bhava. Sattva refers to the existence of reality and truth. Shabdakalpadruma defines it as an attribute of prakriti. It represents light (prakasha), knowledge (dnyana) and happiness (sukha).[5] Monnier Williams dictionary defines it as the quality of good will , purity , reality , knowledge, virtue , excellence and truth.[6]
Characteristics
Sattva is buoyant/lighthearted (laghu) and illuminating (prakashaka) in nature.[7]
Sattva as synonymous to mind:
The mind (manas) is also termed as sattva. Sattva is the purest quality of mind, and sattva guna is the highest form of excellence of manas (sattva) guna. Sattva bala (mental strength) provides an adequate status of a person's wellbeing. Thus, giving a systematic and holistic approach to understanding an individual. The normal mind without any disorder (amala sattva) is dominated by sattva (sattvagunodreka). It can be assessed by the absence of negative emotions like affection (raga) and hatred (dvesha) and presence of absolute purity of mind. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 4/8] (Chakrapani on Cha.Vi.4/8). Three types of mental constitutions are described: shuddha/sattvika, rajasika and tamasika. (Cha.Sha.3/13)
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- ↑ Vridha Vagbhata, Ashtanga Sangraha. Edited by Shivaprasad Sharma. 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba sanskrit series office;2012.
- ↑ NAMASTE - Portal [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 9]. Available from: http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat
- ↑ A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, 1972. Bhagavad-gītā as it is. Gunatrayavibhaga Yoga, Chapter 14, Shloka No. 5-8, New York: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, Page No.488-492
- ↑ Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.
- ↑ SKD Cologne Scan [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 7]. Available from: https://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/csl-apidev/servepdf.php?dict=skd&page=5-224
- ↑ MW72 Cologne Scan [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 7]. Available from: https://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/scans/csl-apidev/servepdf.php?dict=mw72&page=1052
- ↑ Ishwarkrishna, Sankhyakarika with Gaudapadabhashya, Sanskrit commentary by Guruprasadshashtri and Hindi commentary, First Edition, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi, 2019, Page No. 65