Significance of Guna
Synonyms: Quality, Attribute, Characteristic, Essence, Nature, Property
In Dutch: Guna; In German: Guna; In Finnish: Guna; In Spanish: Guna; In Swedish: Guna; In Malay: Guna; In French: Guna; In Portugese: Guna; In Italian: Guna; In Polish: Guna
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Guna'
In Buddhism, Guna embodies diverse meanings. It signifies false doctrine through ascetic figures and highlights the numerous qualities of enlightened beings like Shariputra. Furthermore, Guna represents virtues influencing enlightenment via Buddha's light, and also the virtues of the dharmadhatujakaya Buddha.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Guna refers to the qualities of the Buddhas, which are the same amongst all of them, influencing the perception of Buddha-fields.[1] (2) This refers to the various qualities or attributes that the bodhisattva seeks to acquire through practices, in order to fulfill aspirations.[2] (3) Something that bodhisattvas perfect through their practice for all beings.[3] (4) A Sanskrit term for immense qualities, a treasury possessed by the Buddha, contributing to his innumerable powers.[4] (5) Related to morality and wisdom, it allows an ascetic to obtain honors.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The naked ascetic suggested by the King Angati for counsel, portrayed as someone who provides false doctrine.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Guna'
In Hinduism, "Guna" signifies fundamental qualities or attributes (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) that shape existence, influencing beings, actions, and the material world. It appears in philosophy, Ayurveda (affecting health and treatments), literature, and grammar, representing properties, virtues, and the characteristics of substances.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Gunas are qualities, and the predominance of three Gunas at the time of fertilization determine physical and mental traits, with every individual differing in the constitution of these Gunas and Doshas.[7] (2) Guna refers to the qualities of a substance, and Khadira-Triphaladi Kashaya has Laghu and Ruksha Guna, which are helpful in balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas.[8] (3) Gunas have specific actions on cells, which is counteracted by the opposite Gunas, for cellular homeostasis, such as Guru-Laghu, Manda-Tikshna, Hima-Ushna, Vishada-Picchila.[9] (4) Guna refers to the qualities of drugs, which can be increased through specific Sanskar, also the Guna of herbal drugs comes in that Sneha.[10] (5) It is also a basic property in Dravyas, and Dosha, Dhatu and Mala are exhibited through it and is correlated to cellular function.[11]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) These are qualities of Sareera (body) such as Seetha (cold), Ushna (hot) and Vayu (air) and Satwa, Raja and Tama which are qualities of mind.[12] (2) These are described and divided into various categories such as Adhyatmikagunas, Gurvadigunas, Paradigunas, and Vaiseshikagunas.[13] (3) It is one of the entities that are supposed to perform all its functions.[14] (4) Described and divided into various categories like Adhyatmika Gunas, Gurvadi gunas, Paradi gunas, Visista(Artha) Gunas etc.[15] (5) It refers to the physical properties of a drug perceived mainly by Sparsanendriya, considered to understand the effects, particularly for non-oral routes.[16]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna this of Shatpushpa helps in Kapha Shamana which improve Avaranatmaka Dushti.[17] (2) This is a quality that is pradhana in Mutrasangrahaneeya dravyas.[18] (3) These are the qualities or properties in Ayurveda, such as laghu (lightness) and ruksha (dryness), which contribute to the therapeutic effects of herbs like Nimba and Lodhra.[19] (4) The properties or "Gunas" of Nimba and Lodhra are discussed in the text, with specific examples such as laghu (lightness) and ruksha (dryness), as described in the discussion section.[20] (5) This term refers to the qualities or properties of the ingredients in Vishnukranti kalka.[21]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The three qualities Sattvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik whose differences cause Maya to appear various.[22] (2) Guna is a quality endowed with senses and organs that cannot do any work or bestow any fruits without the World-Mother's energy.[23] (3) The cause of bondage due to his Karma, from which if anybody takes His name, when in the greatest distress, he gets himself immediately freed.[24] (4) The three fundamental qualities or attributes (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) that influence the nature of reality and beings.[25] (5) The three fundamental qualities or attributes (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) that govern human nature and worldly existence.[26]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The three fundamental qualities in Samkhya philosophy, namely sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia) that characterize all matter.[27] (2) One of the three qualities (sattva, rajas, tamas) that influence human behavior and the material world.[28]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The gunas are mentioned in relation to the Pradhana's modification; the Pradhana modifies itself into various effects due to the loss of equilibrium on the part of the gunas when the time for creation comes.[29] (2) This refers to the qualities, as the master of Pradhana and the soul, the lord of the gunas, the cause of the bondage, existence, and release of worldly existence.[30] (3) The three qualities—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—that reflect the essential nature of substances and directly influence their effects.[31] (4) Quality that differentiates various forms of meditation based on their specific characteristics.[32] (5) The three fundamental qualities that define the nature of objects and beings, emphasizing the role of Prakriti in creation.[33]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) These are the three, and the seat is devoid of them, and is the cause of the many worlds in (My) stomach, and is the Kutastha-Caitanya (supreme Cosmic-mind).[34] (2) Qualities or attributes in the material world that do not define the essence of Brahman.[35]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) These are considered to have characteristics that can be inferred from their outcomes, specifically regarding the possibility of the effects.[36] (2) Qualities or attributes that are associated with substances, discussed in the context of the interaction between the soul and material existence.[37]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Gunas are the qualities or attributes associated with Vishuddhasattvasya, indicating the characteristics that define its nature and essence, shaping its overall manifestation.[38] (2) These are Rajas, Tamas and Sattva, and are known for their respective functions, and are the attributes of a specific concept.[39]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) It is defined in various ways, including something that qualifies something else, causing a thing to appear as it is, and can be a word expressive of substance.[40] (2) These properties constitute gender; choosing a particular one is necessary, despite all three existing everywhere in everything.[41] (3) It is another word for ability, and it serves to differentiate one thing from another, depending on what possesses it, and also aiding in distinguishing its foundation.[42] (4) These are constituents that, when in balance or equilibrium, form primordial matter, which is quite different from a state of disturbed equilibrium.[43] (5) This term represents qualities, and the provided text suggests that gender may be an attribute of these qualities, although this perspective does not resolve the central problem.[44]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) These ever-warring attributes constantly vie for dominance, exerting their influence over the mind and contributing to the instability of emotional states, thus preventing any lasting happiness.[45] (2) They work together within every change of form and expression, indicating a unity in all things and project a gross manifestation, that is to say, a visible and tangible object.[46] (3) The gunas, along with stored-up impressions, fall away from the mind permanently.[47] (4) The qualities or attributes that influence the nature of the Atman until they resolve into Prakriti.[48] (5) The gunas refer to the fundamental qualities or states of nature that pass through four distinct phases: gross, subtle, primal, and unevolved.[49]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The Gunas, which are the substrata of all phenomena, are the qualities that are the nature of all things, which present themselves before the Lord.[50] (2) The fundamental qualities of nature that have fulfilled their purpose when one reaches the state of absolute independence, and thus do not present themselves to the Purusha.[51]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The three fundamental qualities or attributes that shape the nature of existence in the material world.[52]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This refers to being filled with transcendental virtues or qualities that are beyond the material realm.[53] (2) This represents being virtuous, having positive qualities, goodness, and righteousness, possessing inherent qualities that uplift and benefit.[54] (3) This term refers to the qualities of the gopas and calves, which are described within the provided context.[55]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Rasa also means quality, Shri-nama is indeed of exceptional quality–sa-rasa–because it has the quality to deliver all wretched people.[56] (2) Qualities; refers to the characteristics and attributes of the Lord.[57]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Qualities or attributes that characterize different forms of existence in the material realm.[58]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Qualities that enhance poetic compositions, contributing sweetness and depth of meaning.[59]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Gunas is the three components of Brahman, and Brahman is both the efficient and material cause of ignorance with its three Gunas, and of Cidabhasa.[60] (2) The three fundamental qualities of nature—Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia)—that influence all aspects of experience and being.[61] (3) The three characteristics of nature: Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia) that explain the functioning of Mulaprakriti.[62]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The three fundamental qualities (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) that govern human nature and behavior.[63]
The concept of Guna in local and regional sources
Guna refers to the three fundamental qualities – Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas – inherent in the universe and influencing human behavior, artistic expression, and the ideal characteristics of individuals and artistic works. They are central to Samyama practice and shape all actions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Every action is the work of these, according to the text.[64] (2) The three fundamental qualities or tendencies in nature: Tamas (inertia), Rajas (activity), and Sattva (purity) that influence the individual's behavior.[65] (3) Qualities or attributes of character that are central to the narratives of the Raghuvamsa, especially as they relate to the ideal kings described within.[66] (4) The three fundamental qualities in Indian philosophy that govern human behavior: Sattva (light, purity), Rajas (dynamism, passion), and Tamas (darkness, ignorance).[67] (5) The essential qualities that contribute to the intrinsic beauty of a Kavya, according to Vamana's analysis.[68]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are inherent in the organs and are part of the focus during the Samyama practice, which leads to the conquest of the organs.[69] (2) These are the fundamental qualities of nature, which the entity transcends.[70] (3) The Gunas are the three substances (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) that constitute the universe, and their different modes of manifestation give rise to the past and future, as explained in the text.[71]
The concept of Guna in scientific sources
Guna, in the context of Ayurveda, signifies the inherent qualities or attributes of substances, including food, herbs, and drugs. These properties, such as hotness or lightness, influence their therapeutic effects, suitability for different constitutions, and overall impact on health and treatment.