Sattva

In Hindu philosophy, sattva (Sanskrit sattva / सत्त्व "purity", literally "existence, reality"; adjectival sāttvika "pure", anglicised sattvic) is the most rarefied of the three gunas in Samkhya, sāttvika "pure", rājasika "dim", and tāmasika "dark". Importantly, no value judgement is entailed as all guna are indivisible and mutually qualifying. The Viṣṇu or the Deity of the quality of goodness in the material world is the puruṣa-avatāra known as Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu or Paramātmā [1].

Sattvic objects

For an object or food to be sāttvika, it must be uncontaminated and should not spread evil or disease in the world. On the contrary its presence must purify the surroundings. Thus when an individual consumes such a food, he must feel that he is eating pure food. The food should be healthy, nutritious and clean. It should also not weaken the power or equilibrium of mind. This idea disallows aphrodisiac or other drugs and intoxicants that can affect the mind in such a way. It also disallows food or objects obtained after killing or causing pain to a creature. This is because the object would then have source in an evil act. It also excludes stale and pungent-smelling food.

Some objects that are considered sāttvika are:

• Flowers, fruits, and food that are allowed as offerings to God
• Neem tree
• The milk of a cow which has grown in good surroundings, is healthy and has been obtained after the calf of the cow has been fed well. In cases when the cow has been ill treated, it becomes sinful or evil to drink such milk. It must be remembered that the cow is sacred for the Hindus.
• Nature has always had a connotation with being sattvika. Because of this, Hindu philosophy does not encourage the eating of animals, or the destruction of nature and its habitats.

Sattva is a state of mind in which the mind is steady, calm and peaceful. A sattvika man or woman works with no attachment to the result.

Sattvic creatures

A person or creature can be called sāttvika if the creature has predominantly sāttvika tendencies. The name "sathvik" implies one who is divine, pure, and spiritual.

A sāttvika individuals always work for the welfare of the world. They are always hardworking, alert and live life moderately. Leading a chaste life. Eating moderately. Speaking the truth and being bold. Never using vulgar or insulting language. Speaking compliments and using precise language. Does not feel jealousy nor is affected by greed and selfishness. Feeling confidence, abundance and generosity. Does not cheat or mislead anyone. Shows what is and describes destinations, allowing people to choose for themselves. Does not allow any evil tendencies to enter mind. Supporting inner paradise broadcasting to the world. Has good memory and concentration. Also has keen interest in improving spiritual knowledge, and spends time worshiping divinity or meditating. In the extreme state may even perform penance or uninterrupted meditation. A satvic individual can be recognized if their mind, speech and actions synchronize. Manasa, vacha, karmana are the three Sanskrit words used to describe such a state.

Some of the people considered by Hindus to be sāttvika are:

• Holy men and bhaktas like Tulsidas, Tyagaraja, Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram
• Ancient rishis like Vashishta, Kashyapa
• Modern day sages like Ramana Maharshi, Aurobindo, Vivekananda
• Divine beings in the heavens
• Some flora and fauna like lotus (symbolizes purity), cow (symbolizes the earth mother)

See also

• sattvic diet
• ritual purity
• satya
• sat (Sanskrit)

External links

• Video film Sattva (film for meditation and relaxation.) The film presents an opportunity to attune to the sattva of nature through immersing oneself meditatively into unity with it.
• Satvika Tyagamti
• Sattva, Raja and Tama, article by Spiritual Science Research Foundation
• SATTVA eTech
• Difference Between Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas, an excerpt from Bhagavad Gita