The three gunas of prakriti – sattva, rajas and tamas – are associated with the mind and intellect and we ‘see’ their expressions reflected in the world. In brief, the expression of sattva is love, kindness, compassion, and desire for knowledge. Rajoguna expresses as self-centered desire for pleasure, wealth and so on. Tamas expresses as inertia, laziness, carelessness, forgetfulness and sometimes even violent thoughts.

We continuously suffer because of the effects of rajoguna and tamoguna. To conquer their binding influences, we are advised to cultivate more and more sattva – by remaining in the company of beings and things that are sattvika in nature.

The most practical advice on ‘Transformation Technology’ is found in the Hamsa Gita. Follow it and transformation is guaranteed. However, for this, we have to ensure that all the ten factors below become sattvika in nature:

Agama refers to the Vedas or the scriptures. In its broader meaning it encompasses everything that influences our thinking. We should be discriminative about what we read, hear, watch, and talk, being careful to consider its effect on the mind. Sattvika literature inspires us to follow a noble path and elevates the mind to higher ideals.

Apah – waters. The waters of sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Narmada are pure. If we invoke the presence of Gangaji in the water we drink, it too becomes pavitram. Aerated drinks are considered rajasika and hard liquor as tamasika.

Apah also includes food. Our mind is affected by the food we consume. One who aspires to real spiritual transformation must give up non-vegetarian food. However, just by eating sattvika food, the mind will not become sattvika. It is only one of the ten factors.

Praja is association with people. We should be discriminative about the company we keep as association colours the mind. There is nothing like living directly in the presence and company of great saints, sages and devotees of the Lord. Should this not be possible, at least keep the company of spiritual-minded people. This will enhance our qualities of faith, devotion, compassion and dispassion and so on. This is sattvika praja.

Desh is place. The atmosphere of the place where you stay is important. It should have security, peace and offer various opportunities for satsang, good thoughts and service.

Kala means time. From an objective viewpoint, every day can be classified as sattvika, rajasika and tamasika. The time before sunrise is considered as the most auspicious and peaceful – sattvika samaya. But as the day progresses, activities begin – rajasika kala. As evening advances, the mind becomes tamasika.

Subjectively, whenever we remember the Lord, become aware of His blessings and are grateful for them, it is sattvika samaya. Even if you do japa, meditation or read the scriptures at 2 am, it is considered as the best time. How we utilize time, determines whether it is shubha or ashubha.

Karma is the expression of life. Karma by itself is not sattvika or rajasika, but the intent behind the action determines its classification.

The karma by which we serve, purify the mind and worship God, is sattvika karma. That by which we only earn for ourselves and our family, is rajasika. Those actions performed in disregard of the consequences, or to harm someone, are tamasika.

Janma: Here, it does not refer to the birth of a jiva but to identification with the continuous thoughts arising in the mind. A thought of anger arises, I identify with it and an angry man is born! Then, good sense prevails and a peaceful person is born. According to Vedanta, this identification with different thoughts, is janma. During a single day, we are born in a multitude of ways.

Dhyanam: Meditation – is the single-pointed flow of thoughts towards the object of contemplation.

In life, everybody has a vision and wants to become something; everyone chooses different fields of knowledge and activities. But what kind of person do you want to become? One of values, ideals or only valuable goods?

Being inspired by a noble goal is sattvika dhyanam. The thinking of those with spiritual values will be very different, whatever their profession.

Depending on our vision, dhyanam will be sattvika, rajasika and tamasika.

Mantra: In a broader sense, a mantra refers to guidance or inspiring words. During the Freedom Struggle in India, our leaders had a clear vision and coined the catchy slogan ‘Vande Mataram’ that inspired everyone. Likewise, Swami Vivekanandaji said, “Arise, awake! Stop not till the goal is reached!”

Samskaras: These are inherent tendencies that we bring from our past, which manifest when the situation is conducive. The person is just helplessly pulled in the direction of whatever powerful samskaras he is born with. Two children, born to the same parents, having the same upbringing, may have vastly different aptitudes – one child could be spiritual-minded, the other tuned to the world.

The beauty of human life is – we can change. Choose to pursue only noble, sattvika samskaras.

Be alert to the expression of the gunas and ensure that all ten elements are sattvika. Then see total transformation unfold!

Swamiji belongs to Chinmaya Mission.