The Gunas and Our State of Mind: A Yogic Lens on Stress, Burnout, and Balance
In the ancient Indian system of philosophy known as Sankhya, the universe—and all of life within it—is made up of three fundamental qualities known as the gunas: tamas (inertia), rajas (activity), and sattva (harmony). These qualities are not just cosmic forces—they are alive in our inner world, moment to moment, shaping our moods, thoughts, actions, and even our nervous system responses. When we look at stress, burnout, and the path back to balance through both ancient yogic teachings and modern neuroscience, we begin to see a profound, integrative view of healing.
Sankhya and the Three Gunas
Sankhya is one of the oldest systems of Indian philosophy, attributed to the sage Kapila. It explains the evolution of the universe from primordial matter (Prakriti) through the interplay of the three gunas:
• Tamas: heaviness, dullness, inertia, ignorance
• Rajas: restlessness, desire, movement, ambition
• Sattva: clarity, lightness, harmony, intelligence
These qualities are always present, but one tends to dominate depending on our lifestyle, thoughts, environment, diet, and spiritual practice.
The Neuroscience of the Gunas
Tamas can be compared to hypoarousal in the nervous system—a shutdown or freeze response associated with the dorsal vagal state. It often manifests in the brain as underactivation in the prefrontal cortex and overactivity in the default mode network, linked to depression, hopelessness, or lethargy.
Rajas aligns with hyperarousal—fight or flight—characterized by excessive sympathetic nervous system activity. In the brain, this might include overactivity in the amygdala (fear and threat processing) and decreased regulation from the prefrontal cortex. It can feel like anxiety, reactivity, or racing thoughts.
Sattva reflects a state of regulated, balanced nervous system activity—safe, connected, and calm. This correlates with ventral vagal tone and prefrontal cortex integration, indicating that the brain is online, present, and resilient. Sattva can be cultivated through practices such as breathwork, meditation, meaningful connection, and mindful living.
Practice and Self-Inquiry
Start keeping a reflective journal of your inner states. Begin by asking yourself:
• When do I feel tamasic? What are my thoughts, words, and actions like?
• When am I rajasic? How does my body respond? What do I crave or avoid?
• When do I experience sattva? What supports this state?
Observe your states across the day without judgment. Notice patterns. Pay attention to your breath, posture, and tone of voice.
Consider simple shifts:
• For tamas: add gentle movement, fresh air, uplifting conversation.
• For rajas: slow the breath, reduce stimulation, practice grounding.
• For sattva: nourish it with silence, nature, gratitude, and clear intention.
By weaving together Sankhya’s timeless wisdom and today’s understanding of the brain and nervous system, we gain powerful tools for self-awareness and regulation. The gunas are not moral judgments—they are energies we can learn to observe, understand, and balance. This is the heart of yoga: not just postures, but presence, inner clarity, and connection to the deeper Self.