Theory of Trigunas

This theory proposes that entire existence in nature is made up of combination of three Gunas namely Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas.  Sattwa represents light, Rajas represents dynamism and Tamas represents lethargy or inertia.

Human beings too are mixtures or combinations of these three qualities. Geeta describes how different people under the influence of different Gunas behave in diverse ways. Human development is examined with reference to movement from Tamas to Rajas and then to Sattwa. The highest stage is a state of being above these three gunas. 

Sattwik

This kind of person functions moderately in eating, sleeping and performing various activities. He or she meditates regularly, and does all his or her work as worship of the Lord. People love this person and this person also loves and helps people. He or she radiates the light of knowledge.

Guru Nanak Dev, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Kabir, Meera, Purandar Das, and Thyagaraj are some of the examples of such evolved persons.

Rajasik

This type of person is very active, dynamic and addicted to work. If he or she does not have work to do, he or she will feel restless. This kind of a person likes to eat spicy food. He or she is fond of entertainment, sitting at one place and observing silence is difficult for him or her. Such persons are often found in the business world.

Tamasik

This type of person does not like to work. He or she gets up late in the morning. They are failures in their lives. Nobody likes them because they are dirty, idle and lethargic. People usually keep themselves away from such persons.

The three qualities are not exclusive. Each and every person is a combination of these three gunas in different degrees. In some, Sattwik is predominant, in some Rajasik is and in some Tamasik. However, all the three are present in each of us to some extent.

Personality development involves achieving and maintaining the right proportion of these three qualities. Rajasik is necessary to some extent but Tamasik should be tried to be kept at the minimum.