Talk:Guṇa
By Swami Harshananda
Guṇa literally means ‘quality’.
Meaning[edit]
Guṇa is one of the most widely used words. It can be inferred in several senses such as:
- Quality
- Rope
- Bow-string
- Nature
- Certain letters of the Sanskrit alphabet used in grammar
Types of Guṇas[edit]
Guṇas are not qualities or attributes in any sense. They are the fundamental subtle substances or elements which constitute the prakṛti like three cords making a rope. These guṇas are three in number:
- Sattva
- Rajas
- Tamas
Inference of Guṇas[edit]
Before creation, these three were in a perfectly balanced state. At the inception of creation, this balance got upset and evolution of the world started. The existence of these guṇas is inferred from the qualities presented in the created world.
- Sattva is responsible for knowledge and pleasure.
- Rajas is responsible for activity and passions.
- Tamas produces indolence, sleep and evil.
Guṇa as per Philosophy[edit]
The philosophical systems such as Sāṅkhya, Yoga and Vedānta refers to the three fundamental components of prakṛti or pradhāna or māyā. It is the basic matrix out of which the physical universe is created.
Guṇa as per Nyāya and Vaiśeṣika Systems[edit]
In the Nyāya and Vaiśeṣika systems, ‘guṇa’ is described as a quality or an attribute. Guṇas are 24 in number. Some of them are:
- Rupa - shape
- Gandha - odor
- Sañkhyā - number
- Saiyoga - conjunction
- Gurutva - weight
- Icchā - desire
- Dharma - merit
- Etc.
Guṇa in Sanskrit Literature[edit]
In Sanskrit literature ten guṇas or excellence of a composition, are listed. For instance:
- Prasāda - clarity
- Samatā - uniformity in the type of clusters of consonants used
- Udāratva - decency and dignity of the subject
- Kānti - loveliness of expression
Guṇa in Legal Terms[edit]
The word when used to indicate the policies of a state refers to six measures such as sandhi (alliance), vigraha (war) and āsana (neutrality) adopted by the State.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore