Triguna theory

• Triguna theory has its roots in Bhagvadgeeta

(chapter 17).

• Bhagvadgeeta is one of the most important

books of Indian philosophy.

• Triguna theory is a composite framework of

tri-dimensional personality to aid the

understanding of the mental make-up of the

person.

the term guna refers to the inherent energy or tendency with which ‘prakriti’ is created & with which human mind functions.

The individual is vital collection of powerful energies which drives people to work.

The dynamism of prakriti is due to the continuous flux of three qualities(gunas):

i) sattva (balanced),

ii) rajas (passionate),

iii) tamas (dull).

These three gunas in different proportions influence the mental & intellectual caliber of every individual. Guna indicates the attitude with which human mind functions.

Dominance of guna determines the individual’s personality.

It is the ‘spiritual quality’.

Steady, calm mind. Non-violent, has inherent

desire to be good & caring.

Capable of vast knowing & deep understanding.

Work done as a duty w/o expecting for fruits.

Free from attachment to objects.

Not affected by success or failure.

Non-egoistic, firm, enthusiastic.

Clear understanding of desirable & undesirable, dutiful & undutiful actions.

Free from doubts. Control on self.

Pure mind.

Don’t hurt others.

Forgiveness, wisdom & faith.

Help needy people.

Pays homage to divine & spiritual values.

Pray god w/o expecting fruits.

Respect elders.

It is an ‘active quality’.

Greed, restlessness.

Desire to acquire things & attachment to

acquired things.

Rajas guna binds person to bodily activities &

selfish interest.

Thrust for more & more.

Filled with joy in success & sorrows in

failures.

Do good activities for gain of respect, fame,

money, etc.

Help others for self-gains.

Full of desires, passions & attachments.

Goal oriented.

Distorted picture of right or wrong.

Bold, authoritative.

It is the ‘material quality’.

Arises from hope & illusions.

Attachment to myth, immorality & rest.

Revengeful, win by demolishing others.

Actions are directed for their own welfare.

No consistency of purpose, brilliance of

thought, tenderness of emotions.

Views world as if it exists for him alone.

Narrow & limited vision.

Careless & irresponsible actions because of

some delusory misconception of the goal. E.g._

smoking, drinking, etc.

No self control, stubborn, arrogant.

Creates disputes & quarrels.

Wrong judgment of ethical & non-ethical.

These three types of personalities are explained in bhagvadgeeta.

Apart from these we see combination of these gunas in people.

A careful study of guna provides the capacity of detecting within ourselves the most powerful tendency that rises up to rule our mental life at any given moment. A true knowledge of gunas helps to meet subjective problems more effectively.

Modh S., FAQ: Triguna Theory in Bhagvadgeeta.(n.d.). Retrieved on February 20, 2013, from

http://www.triguna.org/index.php