Gunas exist everywhere in nature. Prakriti is rich and blends life, forms, and senses perfectly.
Each element in nature has its own “Gunas” (गुण), meaning property or type.
Gunas are present in all humans. They exist in different combinations.
Our food and personalities show which guna is strongest in us.
Anna, a yoga student from California, joined FitFortunes Yoga school in Rishikesh last spring.
She wanted to know the real effect of the three gunas in daily yoga. Anna’s question was, “How does authentic yoga philosophy work in modern teacher training?” From the start, both Indian and global students at FitFortunes study the three gunas.
Bhagwat Geeta and yoga texts describe them: sattva (clarity), rajas (activity), tamas (inertia).
FitFortunes teachers use these concepts in every training. Lessons blend wellness research with regular yoga routines.
Understanding the three gunas of nature and their effect on mind and body brings practical balance.
The 3 Gunas Predominant in nature are Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva.
The Bhagavad Geeta describes the three Gunas. Sattva (clarity/balance), Rajas (activity/movement), and Tamas (inertia/Confusion) as forces that shape every feeling, action, and thought. In yoga, we teach that every person has all three, in varying degrees.
Sattva brings balance, calm, and focus. Rajas leads to drive and movement, but also restlessness. Tamas causes stillness and ignorance, and sometimes fatigue or confusion. In classes, teachers assess these qualities to tailor approaches for students from diverse backgrounds—Americans, Europeans, and local Indian students alike. For example, a student showing too much rajas, may need calming sequences, while tamas-dominant moods benefit from energizing postures.
For example, Sattva supports clarity and calm. Rajas fuels ambition yet may cause restlessness. Tamas encourages rest and stability but, unchecked, leads to lethargy.
Gunas also appear in foods: A sattvic meal (fresh fruits, veggies, grains) supports clear thinking. Spicy, oily rajas foods energize but can create agitation. Heavy, processed tamas foods sap vitality.
Let us look at the characteristics of each Gunas in detail.
Real Life Application- Diet, Lifestyle, and Mind in the Light of the Gunas
InBhagwat Geeta Sattava is defined as
नियतं सङ्गरहितम रागद्वेषतः कृतम् । अफलप्रेप्सुना कर्म यत् तत् सात्त्विक उच्यते
Niyatam Sangarahitam Raagadweshatah Kritam; Aphalaprepsunaa Karma Yattat Saattwikamuchyate.
Sattva or Satvik means Pure. If you’re able to achieve Sattva, it is then the ultimate liberation. Sattva is the state of serenity, happiness and rest. You’ll feel at ease with yourself. Which means Sattva has an effect on reducing the Tamas and Rajas guna, balancing them for the perfect harmony.
So, In Saatvik diet we include foods which comply with its meaning. Fresh fruits, beans, veggies, nuts, and herbs heighten the effect of Sattva Guna inside of us.
Beyond class, the 3 Gunas shape every choice. A student recently shared how adopting a sattvic lifestyle helped manage exam stress. She reduced rajas-inducing activities (late-night social media) and replaced tamasic snacks with fresh salads.
Teachers find that morning self-awareness practice simply noting dominant thoughts sets a tone for the day. As a senior instructor shared during training: “Each thought supports either sattva, rajas, or tamas. Notice, then steer gently toward balance.”
For Americans or Europeans adjusting to life in India, daily habits might need tweaking. The unfamiliar food and climate can stir the gunas especially rajas and tamas demanding more conscious choices.
Tamas and Its Ingredients to Avoid
In Bhagwat Geeta Tamas as Defines as अनुबन्धं क्षयं हिंसामनपेक्ष्य च पौरुषम् । मोहादारभ्यते कर्म यत्तत्तामसमुच्यते
Anubandham Kshayam Himsaam Anavekshya ch Pourusham, Mohadarabhyate Karma Yattat Taamasamuchyate.
Tamas or Tamasic is the embodiment of chaos. It follows no rules and defies the spiritual life and its meanings. It, of course, reflects in our attitudes such as ignorance, short temper, and anger.
In order to reduce tamas in our system, we need to maintain some good habits. Optimum sleep, healthy consumption, and a balanced activity schedule.
When it comes to Tamasic food, be wary of chemically preserved and canned food such as meat or fish.
Food which is dry, frozen or sans any taste has a negative impact on our mind. For example, if the canned meat does not taste fresh, we will feel irritated and dissatisfied.
Rajas and Ingredients to Avoid
InBhagwat Geeta Rajas Defines as
यत्तु कामेप्सुना कर्म साहंकारेण वा पुनः । क्रियते बहुलायासं तद्राजस मुदाहृतम्
Yattu Kaamepsunaa Karma Saahankaarena vaa punah, Kriyate Bahulaayaasam Tadraajasa mudaahritam.
There will be not enough peace inside you. Overwhelming tasks such as overthinking, consumption of fried food and loud music can increase Rajas Guna.
Avoid Rajasic food such as deep-fried chops or spicy noodles. Moreover, all fast food comes in this Category. These have an adverse effect on our health as well as peace of mind. Most importantly, stay away from energy drinks as they can heighten the unnecessary energy.
Gunas and Yoga Practice -Teaching and Learning at FitFortunes Yoga School
The best yoga lessons address not just physical poses but also the student’s state of mind. At FitFortunes, we assess which guna is most active in a group before each class. For instance, a rajasic, energetic group benefits from longer holds and calming pranayama (breathwork). Tamasic students—perhaps feeling heavy or discouraged respond well to gentle, uplifting movement.
Many visiting yoga teachers introduce a “three gunas self-check” at the start of teacher training modules. Students reflect, in a journal, which guna is strongest and why. Over weeks, tracking these shifts reveals powerful trends.
Thus, These Gunas affect our psyche and create a disbalance, each dominating the other when we aren’t at complete peace. This in return can have us view incidents in a different light.
Balancing out the elements within us is the surest way of attaining peace.
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