Home > Indian History > Indian Philosophy > Gunas in Samkhya Philosophy
Gunas in Samkhya Philosophy
There are three gunas in Samkhya Philosophy which are the constituents or components of Prakriti, that acts as equilibrium to these gunas and explain the diversified objects of existence.

Share this Article:

Gunas in Samkhya PhilosophyAccording to Samkhya Philosophy the whole universe is based on three gunas in different proportions. It is an analogy of three strands of a rope or chord that are a constituent strand of primordial materiality. The three gunas in Samkhya Philosophy are sattva (virtue, goodness), rajas (passion, activity), and tamas (darkness, dullness).

In Samkhya Philosophy, the term guna also comes to encompass the entire range of subjective and objective reality, whether manifest (Vyakta) or unmanifest (Avyakta). It becomes the thread that runs through all of ordinary experience and throughout the natural world, tying together, as it were, the tattva realm, bhava realm and bhuta realm.

Nature of Gunas in Samkhya Philosophy
In Samkhya Philosophy, it is said that Prakriti is the root cause of the universe and its complexity is the result of it being constituted of three gunas. The term guna is a constituent element or component and not an attribute or quality. It is said, that there are various levels to the gunas in Samkhya Philosophy, on one level, guna is secondary which means it is secondary to what is primary or principal- Pradhana. And on another level, guna implies the moral distinctions related to the activity of the Prakriti as the basis of moral excellence, decadence and indifference. The three distinct gunas in Samkhya Philosophy are elaborately discussed below:

Sattva: The first guna, Sattva means potential consciousness and is used to signify the power of nature that illuminates and reveals all. Under Sattva guna there exist Prakasha or illumination, Sukha or happiness and Preeti or attraction. Sattva is responsible for the manifestation of objects in the physical dimension and in itself is knowledge or wisdom. The nature of Sattva is to provide happiness at the mental level and thus one can say that contentment, satisfaction, euphoria, happiness and bliss are the different effects of this guna.

Rajas: The second guna or Rajas has its root in the word called ranj, which means colour to be attached to or moved. Rajas guna signifies that power of nature which affects and moves the other two constituents. Under this guna, there exist Kriya or motion, Dukha or pain and Apreeti or rejection. Responsible for all motion and change that goes on throughout nature, this guna in Samkhya Philosophy functions to move things and overcome resistance.

Tamas: The third guna or Tamas means darkness, under this exist qualities like Nishkriyata or passivity, Udasinata or indifference and Vishada or despair. Tamas is used to signify that power of nature which restrains, obstructs and envelops the other two constituents by counter-acting the deeds of Rajas and Sattva to reveal. Restraining and binding are its nature. It produces the state of indifference and ignorance. Tamas hinders the power of manifestation in the mind, the intellect and thereby produces ignorance and darkness and bewilderment which are also known as moha.

Brief Overview of Gunas in Samkhya Philosophy
Thus it can be inferred that the three gunas in Samkhya Philosophy produces pleasure, pain and sloth respectively. The gunas are nothing but a particular manifestation or appearance of a subtle entity that merely signifies the manner in which a substance reacts. The gunas in Samkhya Philosophy are beyond the senses and they are inferred from their effects. They are mutually opposed to one another but can operate together to achieve a common purpose. To summarise, the gunas are the root of all change, the foundation of reality, the essence of all things and before the manifestation of the objective world, they are in a state of perfect balance.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Philosophy


Classical Indian Philosophy
Classical Indian Philosophy contains many analyses, rational principles and explanations. The Vedas have been considered as the first and the oldest scriptural texts of the Classical Indian Philosophy.
Ajivika Philosophy
Ajivika philosophy is different from the mainstream religion
Gunas - Hindu Philosophy
Guna in Hindu Philosophy in its philosophical sense refers to the constituent quality. The whole universe is guided by the three gunas, which are basically attitudes, qualities found in human being.
Bodhisattvas - Hindu Philosophy
Bodhisattva is a concept in Hindu philosophy and the Buddhist philosophy and refers to someone who is committed to attain Enlightenment.
Religion and Philosophy in Later Vedic Period
Religion and Philosophy in later Vedic period did see minute growth. However, rituals and traditions were religiously followed.
Theory of inference in Nyaya philosophy
Nyaya theory of inference is divided into five steps.
Theory for God in Nyaya philosophy
The Naiyayikas tried to establish the existence of God through logic.
Religious Influence on Indian Philosophy
Religious influence on Indian philosophy has been almost enigmatic, making it complimentary in perspective.
Morality and Ethics in Jain philosophy
Jains follow a fivefold path of morality and ethical purity, by which one can reach moksha.
Indian Philosophy In The Vedic Period
Indian Philosophy in the Vedic Period was primarily based on the concepts of nature worship.
Metaphysics in Jain philosophy
Metaphysics in Jain philosophy revolves heavily around the soul and its governing path and final emancipation.
Nether World in Jain Philosophy
Nether World according to Jain Cosmology consists of seven subterranean regions. Of the seven regions the above two regions serve as the abode of heavenly gods and in the rest torture of the souls is undertaken for any kind of misdeed.
Achintya Bheda Abheda Philosophy
Achintya-Bheda-Abheda is a School of Vedanta that represents the philosophy of unimaginable one-ness and difference in relation to the power creation and creator.