How does Guna operate? What are the constituents of Tamas, Rajas and Sattva?
All Gunas operate with only two constituents: awareness of consciousness and energy. Energy is required in all output, but it is the level of awareness that decides which guna we are operating in. When awareness of consciousness is low and foggy, it is Tamas. Energy consumed here is generally low, but could become high in certain situations, like an elephant running amok. Rajas occurs when awareness of consciousness is in achievement mode; energy expended here is generally high, radiating heat. In Sattva, awareness of consciousness is characterized by balance and clarity. Energy utilization can vary from low consumption during reflection to high usage during action, but is characterized by lack of heat.
Example: Let us consider a musician trying to learn a new song.
Since the song is new, the singer first struggles with the notes and words. There is confusion and energy consumption is low, without direction. Here, vijnana (technical competence) levels are low. Depending on the urgency of the need to learn the song, stress levels can be high. This is Tamas.
As the singer becomes proficient with the song, vijnana levels become very high. The singer begins to sing with confidence. Energy consumption becomes high, awareness and control are high. The singer sings projecting his or her own personality. This is Rajas.
Finally, the singer begins to intuit the emotions of the tune and the spirit behind the words. The subtleties of the song and the tune merge with the personality of the singer. This is jnana and the output is an example of satva, an integrated balance that is reached within the person.
How does this impact out Situational Awareness process?
Dharma is the value system that drives our Svabhava. It is consciousness that resides deep inside us; we are rarely aware of it. Svabhava, the transactional element which translates our Dharma into Karma (action), is also a consciousness; but we have greater awareness of it. Svabhava manifests itself as Karma. Here, a major change occurs: there is action. Energy is used. Karma results in Anubhava (experience), which is awareness. Anubhava results in Aashirwada - eustress or Abhishapa - distress. This is high energy/low consciousness. Anubhava also results in learning; vijnana- application knowledge and jnana – conceptual knowledge, which is low energy/high consciousness.
The complete process may be characterized as a consciousness transformation process. Deep consciousness in the form of Dharma surfaces as Svabhava (perceivable consciousness). This consciousness is manifested as Karma, which is energy (application consciousness). The output of Karma (action), Anubhava (experience) results in various mix of energy and consciousness. While Aashirwada-eustress or Abhishapa- distress represent high energy and low consciousness, Aashirwada results in ingestion of energy, while Abhishapa results in depletion of energy. Similarly, Vijnana results in energy/consciousness changes while jnana is purely a consciousness transformation. In all this, the quality of energy/awareness of consciousness determines the guna level.
Karma is the fulcrum of the transformation of the latent Dharma (consciousness of the value system) into Anubhava. We will notice that when we are expending energy in any action, our awareness is in receiving mode; but when we are reflecting and reviewing our consciousness, our energy is in low-use mode. Very rarely are both energy and consciousness at a high state of continuous operation.
Example: Communication.
When we talk, we seldom listen and vice versa. When we are thinking, if we talk, our thinking slows down and vice versa. Try it.
What are the mechanics of this energy and consciousness?
While energy is drawn from digestion and respiration, where does consciousness come from? Something makes digestion and respiration occur. What keeps the body alive and enables the system to operate? There is some operating consciousness that activates any form of life. In Yoga, this is called “Prana” or “Life Force”. Prana manifests itself through what are known as “energy centres”. These are gateways along the spine through which the energy flows. How to recognise these centers can be learned from any Pranic healer or Reiki practitioner.
In a normal situation, energy flows unimpeded through the centre. In a stress situation, one or more centres become congested or depleted. Neither condition is advisable, as prolonged exposure can lead to damage of the related organs in the body.
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