Understanding the Gunas

Introduction

In Part 4 you will learn about the three Gunas.  The Gunas represent the three elements of nature that exist within all things and within each of us.  You will start to consider how the Gunas exist within an Asana, and how the sensations experienced with an Asana relates to the three qualities Tamas, Rajas and Sattva.

Watch the following video for an overview of the three Gunas.

When you have finished watching the video you can proceed to the next page.

Reading

The following extract from BKS Iyengar’s Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describes the Gunas.   

An additional extract from L. Paton’s commentary on The Bhagavad Gita is also provided.  This extract is considered as additional reading for those who would like to read more about the Gunas

Once you have read the extract, you can check your learning via the quiz on the following pages.

Video 2

Watch the following video for an example of observing attributes and the Gunas within an asana.   

When you have finished watching the video you can proceed to the practice exercise on the next page.

Practice Exercise – Trikonasana

In this practice exercise you will practice Uttitha Trikonasana and consider some the sensations within the body. 

Part 1 – Go to Trikonasana on the right hand side and hold for between 10 to 15 breaths.  As you enter the pose consider the following:

• What is the dominant sensation within the body?
• Which arm is lighter and which is heavier?
• Which leg is lighter and which is heavier?
• Do these sensations change as you hold the asana?
• Repeat on the left hand side and notice if there is a difference.