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In the last few articles we have seen the Deha Prakriti (body
constitution) and the different characters and traits.
To understand Ayurveda anatomy and physiology one should
understand Pancha Maha Bhuta (five elements) like earth, water,
fire, air and space, then the physical prakriti.
From these fundamental elements, which are the building blocks
of all material objects, the three doshas are also produced.
Kapha is a combination of earth and water; Pittam is a
combination of water and fire; and Vata is a combination of wind
and spaces. Since Ap (water) is involved in both Pittam and
Kapha, it provides the liquidity to both of them. Therefore, the
five Bhutas influence our physical constitution (prakriti)
through the three doshas. In order to understand disease and
treatment we have to naturally go back to the Pancha Bhutas.
At the physical level, there are seven types of Prakritis: Vata,
Pitta, Kapha, Vata–Pitta, Vata–Kapha, Pitta–Kapha and Sama
Prakriti. As we have already seen, the predominant doshas of the
parents at the time of conception determine the Prakriti of the
child. The doshas are in every part of the body, and they are
carried in the reproductive dhatus, Sukra and Sonitha of the
father and mother respectively.
The seventh type of prakrti, Sama Prakriti reflects the
balanced state of doshas of both the parents at conception. This
is considered the best type of Prakriti.
After Prakriti we should also understand the quality of mind
which is called Thriguna.
Prakriti is made up of three aspects (gunas) – Sattva, Rajas
and Tamas. At the level of Moola Prakriti the gunas are in
equilibrium. The moment this equilibrium is upset and the gunas
become unbalanced, evolution takes place. Mahat, which is the
first product of this evolution, consists of these gunas in a
disturbed state. Sattva as characterised by light, brightness,
knowledge, equanimity, detachment and other virtues. Rajas is
nature of raga or attachment. Tamas is characterised by
ignorance and delusion
The mind (manas) is also made of the three gunas: Sattva,
Rajas and Tamas. Of these Rajas and Tamas are the doshas of the
mind just as Vata, Pittam and Kapha are the doshas of the body.
Just as Prakriti or the physical constitution is based on the
three doshas of the body, there are several varieties of Sattva
or mind also. There are seven types of Suddha Satvam six of
Rajasa Sattva, and four of Tamasa Sattva. The exact type is
decided by the predominance of the different gunas in the
Sattvas of the individual at the time of conception. The type of
the Sattva determines the mental aptitude of the child.
Suddha Sattva: When Satvam alone is dominant in the mind, it
alone governs the mind. There are seven types of Suddha Sattva:
1. Brahma sattva:
Pertaining to Brahma the creator. This means that this type
of mind is similar to the mental condition of Brahma. Just as
all the virtuous things come only from Brahma, this type of mind
is only inclined to doing things which are virtuous, good, etc.
It is a creative mind.
2. Arsha sattvam
Pertaining to Rishis
Rishis are the inventors of mantras. Here the thinking,
intellectual faculty is inducted. This type of mind is inclined
towards study, thinking, analysis, writing, etc.
3. Aindra Sattvam:
Pertaining to Indra. Indra governs the entire Svarga Loka,
the heavenly regions. This type of mind has an aptitude for
enjoyment, administration, controlling, etc.
4. Yamya sattva:
Pertaining to Yama. Yama is justice. He accounts for
everything and keeps the worlds disciplined. This type of mind
has an aptitude for justice and discipline.
5. Varuna sattva:
Pertaining to Varuna. Varuna is responsible for rain and
providing water. This type of mind is inclined to be clear.
6. Kaubera sattva:
Pertaining to Kubera the Lord of wealth. This type of mind is
inclined to be interested in wealth.
7. Gandharva sattva:
Pertaining to Gandharvas, the masters of fine arts. This type
of mind is likely to be artistic and inclined towards the fine
arts.
Thus we have seven Sattvas based on Suddha Sattva, where the
sattva guna alone is dominant in the mind. This classification
of the types of the mind helps us understand the aptitude of the
different minds.
For example, if many generations of a family are involved in
one and the same profession, this influences the Buddhi and
Manas of all the members of that family. Accordingly, the
progeny also comes out with similar interests and aptitudes in
life which in turn guides the individuals to inherit the same
profession.
Dr C C Sagy
Ph No: 044 – 2573 5800 / 098840 22742
E-mail: Drsagy_cheru@yahoo.com
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The characteristics of the mind
