The Sanskirt word “Ayurveda” means the science or knowledge of life. In the science of Ayurveda, each person has a specific body constitution: Vata, Pitta and Kapha (see my previous article, issue of April 4-10). Likewise, each person has a tendency to exist in a specific state of mind. The difference between the two states is the body is static (meaning one cannot change their constitution) and the mind is fluid (one can change their state of mind). These states of mind are called Tamas, Rajas and Sattva.
Tamas: The mind is dark, depressed and heavy. An individual’s mind can be consumed with negative thoughts of fear, loss, disconnection from others, suicide, revenge, etc. While everyone experiences a “tamasic” mind from time to time, someone immersed in this way of thinking should seek outside help from a physician, a professional therapist, a healer or a spiritual teacher. Spiritual practices, right diet and exercise are indicated.
Rajas: The materialistic mind. This is a state of mind most individuals exist within. It’s focused on duty, achieving goals, acquiring information and goods and negotiating within relationships. Often the mind is racing and can become stressed, which can ultimately affect health and peace of mind. Yoga and meditation can calm the Rajas mind and allow us to move more peacefully through our days with less stress.
Sattva: The spiritual mind. The mind is calm, clear, at peace and in a state of enlightenment. Practices of deep meditation, living in the moment, correct diet and lifestyle, forgiveness and release of connection to the material world can bring about the state of Sattva. This is difficult to achieve in our busy world, but even moments of Sattva can have profound affects on the body.
Our mind can move through all three states, but the calm Sattva mind is the one that assists the body in healing and promoting a loving, peace-filled life. ©
This article appears in Apr 17-23, 2002.
