In the month of November, the theme "Mental Health" is at the forefront of our activities. This is reflected in the "Products of the Month", which are primarily aimed at improving mental health and well-being.

In Ayurveda, three basic qualities of the mind are described. They are called sattva, rajas and tamas. In today's blog article we look at how these qualities affect our health.

The Ayurvedic texts place the highest emphasis on a lifestyle that is focused on developing the qualities of sattva. Such a lifestyle is said to bring about health, clear thinking, balanced emotions and long life - in other words, all that we desire. What do we need to cultivate a sattvic lifestyle?

What is sattva, rajas and tamas?

The classical Vedic texts have a simple division that categorises the qualities of the mind. The aim is to encourage people to adopt "sattvic behaviour". Such behaviour seems particularly helpful in our increasingly hectic and stressful times.

Sattva

A sattvic mind is calm, independent of external influences and stress, content even without external stimulation. Sattva is fulfilled and always ready to give.

Rajas

A mind dominated by rajas constantly needs external stimuli and rewards. It seeks stress and challenges and tends towards dissolute emotions and activities.

Tamas

A tamasic mind is withdrawn and shields itself, it is characterised by dullness and listlessness.
When a person is in balance, the qualities of sattva dominate. However, the qualities of rajas and tamas are also important because they are necessary for change in life and withdrawal from activity. Sattva should be the predominant quality, but for a sensible life in our social environment we also need rajas and tamas.

The balance of the three qualities creates a long happy life. However, in our modern culture of over-stimulation and stress, rajas and tamas often dominate the subtle and peaceful energy of sattva.

Sattva is altruism and independence

Sattvic people have an earnest desire to help others without expecting any reward. They are full of kindness and compassion. Sattva is a state of inner peace, selfless love, compassion and moderation in all things without getting caught up in modern temptations. Sattvic people have control over their senses, are free from addictions and addictions to sweets, stimulants, alcohol or drugs. They are honest, clean and generous.

Sattva and spirituality

All these qualities result not only in health and longevity, but sattvic people undergo high spiritual development. They experience higher states of consciousness and develop their full potential.

Sattvic people radiate love and confidence. They are willing to share what they have with others.

Modern happiness research shows that this ability to give promotes health and longevity *^1,2. Those who give and help experience stress as less burdensome. This results in reduced mortality among people who value giving over those who take rather than give.

Sattva and nutrition

When sattva is dominant, people spontaneously strive for a pure way of life. This is evident not only in their physical hygiene but also in their food choices. People with a positive attitude towards life automatically buy healthier food.

Sattva and memory

Another study confirmed that people with a positive mindset had better memory *³. A sattvic lifestyle helps maintain good memory into old age.

How do I increase sattva?

Rajas and tamas, i.e. over-excitement and dullness, are associated with many mental and physical ailments and diseases. All therapies in Maharishi Ayurveda aim to increase sattva and reduce rajas and tamas to a necessary level.

In order to develop in this direction, the following measures are particularly helpful:
• Regular daily routine
• Personal hygiene with Ayurvedic elements such as oil massage
• Light diet, freshly cooked food
• Yoga and Transcendental Meditation
• Ayurvedic food supplements for clear mind
• Ayurvedic cleansing cures at home or on an in-patient basis

 

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18356530/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3780662/

3.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201029135501.htm