Guṇa (Sanskrit: गुण) means string or a single thread or strand of a cord or twine. In more abstract uses, it may mean a subdivision, species, kind, quality, or an operational principle or tendency. In Samkhya philosophy, there are three major guṇas that serve as the fundamental operating principles or tendencies of prakṛti (universal nature) which are called: sattva guṇa, rajas guṇa, and tamas guṇa. The three primary gunas are generally accepted to be associated with creation (sattva), preservation (rajas), and destruction/transformation (tamas) (see also Aum and Trimurti). The entire creation and its process of evolution is carried out by these three major gunas. The term guṇa in Classical Sanskrit literature in general (e.g. Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, etc.) is the term for the five elements (mahabhutas), as well as the five senses, and five associated body parts: Akasha (space), associated with the guṇa śábda (sound) and with the ear. Vayu (air), associated with the guṇa sparśa (feeling) and with the skin. Tejas or Agni (fire), associated with the guṇa rūpa (appearance, and thus color and tangibility) and with the eye. Apas or Jalam (water), associated with the guṇa rasa (taste, and thus also flavor and tangibility, as well as shape) and with the tongue. Prithivi (earth), associated with all the preceding guṇas as well as the guṇa gandha (smell) and with the nose. The Triguna appear prominently in the discourse of Krishna to Arjuna upon the battlefield of Kurukshetra that is the backdrop for the Bhagavad Gita. All three gunas are held to delude the World: त्रिभिर्गुणमयैर्भावैरेभिः सर्वमिदं जगत्। मोहितं नाभिजानाति मामेभ्यः परमव्ययम्॥ ७.१३॥ tribhirguṇamayairbhāvairebhiḥ sarvamidaṁ jagat | mohitaṁ nābhijānāti māmebhyaḥ paramavyayam || 7.13|| The World deluded by these Three Gunas does not know Me: Who is beyond these Gunas and imperishable. (7.13) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:57:02 +0000
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