The philosophy of yoga encourages spiritual seekers to live a sattvic life. In the Bhagavad Gita, a whole chapter is dedicated to the three gunas, or qualities of nature, and how they influence our spiritual lives. So what is sattvic living, and how can we incorporate it into our lives for physical, mental, and spiritual balance and well-being?
The Three Gunas
The philosophy of the three gunas was expounded in Samkhya philosophy by Sage Kapila. Sattva (goodness, purity), rajas (passion, activity), and tamas (destruction, sloth) are the three modes of existence or attributes of all phenomena in prakriti, the manifested material world. All our activities can either be sattvic, rajasic, or tamasic. Rajasic activities and modes of living lead to restlessness and pain, whereas tamasic activities lead to ignorance. Sattvic activities, however, lead to health, happiness, and knowledge. In the Bhagavad Gita (14.18), it is said that those who abide in the quality of sattva rise upward. As sadhakas, we should strive to live a sattvic life to grow spiritually.
Sattvic Activities
Sattva means goodness, purity, balance, and peace, and living a sattvic life promotes these aspects in our lives. Living a sattvic life means incorporating activities that promote these qualities in our spiritual lives, as well as activities that promote the health and well-being of the physical body and mind. The body is the temple of the divine; it is through this body that we are able to perform sadhana and seva. Looking after the body and nourishing it with sattvic activities is paramount in bringing health and balance to the body and the whole system. For example, practicing hatha yoga can make the body strong and flexible. It increases mobility in the joints and connective tissues, making the body more balanced. It also improves circulation, energizes the body and mind, and releases tension in the body which may result from physical or mental stress. Practicing pranayama helps to calm the mind and regulate emotions, energize the body, balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and purify the subtle channels and subtle body. Other activities, such as walking in nature and gardening, can be grounding, which maintains the body and mind in a balanced and revitalized state.
A Moderate Diet
Another important aspect is diet. The Bhagavad Gita (6.17) also mentions that we should eat a moderate diet. Eating too much is injurious to health, and eating too little can also be unhealthy as the body needs energy in order to be active in both seva and sadhana. The Chhandogya Upanishad (7.26.2) says that if one eats pure food, one’s mind becomes pure. Sattvic food is that which promotes purity of body and mind. The food we eat influences the mind, and it can make it restless, dull, or peaceful. Sattvic food makes the mind more peaceful. A pure vegetarian diet full of seasonal foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and healthy fats such as ghee is recommended for a healthy, balanced, and sattvic diet. It is preferable to eat fresh foods as they have more prana and thus increase the vitality of the body, preventing disease. Eating mindfully with love and gratitude also promotes a sattvic way of life.
Rest Is Essential
It is also essential to give the body adequate rest. Finding a balance between activity and rest is necessary for the body and mind to rejuvenate themselves. Overworking the body and mind can lead to stress and burnout, which can manifest as physical symptoms and long-term health issues.
A Conscious Life
A sattvic life is a conscious life. It considers a holistic approach to living which contributes to physical health and vitality, longevity, emotional balance and harmony, and spiritual growth. As sincere sadhakas, it is our duty to nourish the body and mind with love and care, as lovingly taught by our masters and the scriptures.
Article written by Mitchelle Lumumba