Beginner's Guide To Mahagunas : How Do They Influence Our Body & Mind & Corrective Diet

Mahagunas comprises two words - Maha + Gunas which translates to supreme qualities. Just like how Doshas are biological energies which act as guiding principles to human’s physical and mental state, Mahagunas are Universal energies that are present in every fabric of the universe and influence our psychological, emotional and energetic attributes.

Keen to know about Doshas? Click here!

Every human being too has different amounts of gunas which can be increased or decreased relatively. However all of us have different predominant gunas which guide the rudimentary principles on how we see the world and our perception of it. All of our qualities, be it your temper, courage or momentum, these universal energies either support or undermine our holistic well being. No guna is good or bad. Over our course of life, Mahagunas reflect how we deal with circumstances. It focuses on our characteristics, action-reaction, and ways of thinking, feeling and acting. 

So let us delve further into this and decode how these qualities are present in nature and relate to our overall state of consciousness. Don’t worry we will not spam you with Ayurvedic vernacular. So, how many Mahagunas are present in nature and how they impact us.

There are 3 Mahagunas present in nature - 

Given below are some of the qualities relating to each Guna :

Sattva is considered as the state of equilibrium and is a path towards the attainment of Nirvana. Some of its qualities are 

• Empathy
• Friendliness
• Self control
• Trust
• Gratitude
• Selflessness
• Fulfillment
• Peace

This is the guna that the yogis try to achieve. It helps bring down the levels of the other two Mahagunas namely : Rajas and Tamas.

Rajas is a state of energy and movement and exhibits attachment and longing. Some of its qualities are -

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Irritation
• Restlessness
• Euphoria
• Courage
• Determination
• Chaos

On the other hand some of Tamas is a state of inertia and emerges from ignorance and darkness. Its qualities are -

• Laziness
• Depression
• Helplessness
• Depression
• Guilt
• Shame
• Addiction
• Sadness
• Dependency

These gunas can be altered and Sattva can be encouraged by switching our lifestyle practices and our thought process. Some of the lifestyle and dietary suggestions to keep your Rajas and Tamas gunas in check are -

A perfect example of a Sattvic diet

If you have a natural Rajasic balance in domination, refrain from overworking and over-exercising. Try meditation to keep you away from overthinking. Avoid non-vegetarian food like Chicken, Eggs, Meat, Fish and whole pulses and dal. Keep away from spices like chillies and pepper and vegetables like onion and garlic. Resort to eating fresh food and having a nutritious diet.

Avoid eating food items like Meat, Fish, Garlic, Onions, overripe or underripe fruits and vegetables, Vinegar, Alcohol and baked goods like breads, cakes and pastries if you have a Tamasic balance. Avoid oversleeping, overeating and try to engage in physical activities and daily yoga practice.

Determination and will-power to attain a Sattvic balance is necessary. Focus on activities and thoughts that bring joy and happiness. Try eating whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and legumes. Meditation and Yoga to connect with your inner self and the universe is the right path.

RELATED - Best Faceyoga and Yoga Asanas for Dosha Balance

Thus, by keeping your lifestyle, eating habits, (and ego) in check, you can rise above all the materialistic things in life and seek eternal joy, prosperity and wisdom.