Significance of Sattva
Synonyms: Purity, Harmony, Goodness, Clarity, Serenity, Virtue, Peace, Wholesomeness
In Dutch: Sattva; In German: Sattva; In Finnish: Sattva; In Spanish: Sattva; In Swedish: Sattva; In Malay: Sattva; In French: Sattva; In Portugese: Sattva; In Italian: Sattva; In Polish: Sattwa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sattva'
In Buddhism, Sattva signifies sentient beings and explores their interrelations, existence, and conditions. It encompasses ethical discussions about their treatment, emphasizing communal recognition and compassion within monastic life.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Entities that some people believe have or do not have a beginning, leading to wrong views about the three times.[1] (2) Referring to beings or sentient entities, particularly in the context of recognizing each other's presence in the illuminated lokantarika.[2] (3) A term relating to beings or sentient life, included in various lists of incomprehensible things.[3]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Sentient beings, often referenced in the context of their existence and the conditions affecting them.[4]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Referring to sentient beings, often used in discussions regarding treatment and behavior towards others within the monastic context.[5]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Sattva is an attribute which has special significance, telling us of a character trait that is essential to those who would accumulate a fortune, which is a combination of gumption and courage.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Sattva'
Sattva, a key concept in Hinduism, represents the quality of purity, harmony, and wisdom. It embodies idealism and emotional stability, essential for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and achieving a balanced state, fostering a connection with the divine.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Sattva is one of the attributes that affects Jiva, causing it to misunderstand the Supreme Soul and create its own reality.[7] (2) Sattva is one of the three states of understanding, and it exists in a state of union with Kshetrajna like the fish and the water.[8] (3) Sattva is an attribute that existed in the Krita Yuga, pervading the entire universe through the religion of Sattva, and is upheld by persons wedded to it.[9] (4) Sattva is an attribute that aids in dispelling faults and attachments, contributing to understanding and progress through many lives, especially when combined with practice.[10] (5) Sattva is one of the attributes that the Soul adopts in consequence of being invested with Ignorance, influencing actions and experiences, uniting with the senses of knowledge and action to engage in numerous objects.[11]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) It is described as one of three qualities that are the creators, maintainers and destroyers of the Universe. It means harmony.[12]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Sattva is one of the three gunas, along with Rajo and Tamas, that are described as the forms of a deity, indicating the deity's comprehensive nature.[13] (2) Sattva Guna is mentioned as one of the qualities endowed to the Trinity. The text associates Sattva with Vishnu.[14] (3) Sattva is a quality that, along with Rajas and Tamas, deludes ordinary men, preventing them from knowing the greatness of the World-Mother.[15] (4) One of the three Gunas, representing purity, harmony, and wisdom.[16]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The text describes this as the quality of goodness that pervades the Anugrahas.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A fundamental quality in Indian philosophy representing purity, harmony, and goodness, associated with enlightened beings.[18]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) Sattva is related to the treatment of ailments that disrupt its balance, serving as a technique for regulating the mind from unwholesome desires by elevating its level to suppress Rajasa and Tamasa.[19] (2) This is a term in the context of the study referring to the mental or psychological well-being of individuals, and was evaluated to determine the overall impact of the therapies provided.[20]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) It is related to the mind and is part of Ashtavidhsarata, which contributes to the overall assessment of Dhatusarata.[21] (2) It is the balance that is interfered with in diseases, and it can be achieved by increasing Sattva to subdue the exaggerated Rajasa and Tamasa to attain Manonigraha.[22] (3) It is one of the three Gunas, along with Raja and Tamas, that may be found in Marma.[23] (4) One of the Triguna, representing purity, goodness, and harmony in Ayurveda.[24] (5) Sattva represents clarity, intelligence, and emotional stability, and when in harmony with Rajas and Tamas, mental health is maintained, and it is similar to positive mental health and resilience.[25]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) This is the mind, which, along with Sharira and Atma, are stated as the three pillars of the world.[26] (2) It is considered as a combination with Sharir, Indriya and Aatma, forming a crucial aspect of well-being.[27] (3) It is one of the three attributes of the mind, known as balance, and a healthy association with sense organs is essential.[28] (4) One of the three Gunas, described as stability and purity, predisposing an individual towards goodness and a constant state of mind.[29] (5) Sattva is the mental clarity, and the body's overall resistance increases due to the optimization of the Ojas and the Sattva, according to the provided text.[30]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) It is one of the three fundamental or primary virtues of Prakriti.[31] (2) It is one of the three primary qualities and is a preserver of the life of the fetus.[32]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The mind as the conscious agent and recording force behind perceptions, leading to knowledge and action.[33]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The state of the mind that is enveloped by passion and ignorance, considered as the real cause of bodily afflictions.[34]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) It is a part of the Pradhana or Prakriti, according to the Samkhya theory. The other parts are Rajas and Tamas.[35]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) This is a Guna, along with Rajas and Tamas, and is recognized through its distinct functions and attributes, forming part of the nature.[36] (2) A quality of the mind that embodies purity and clarity, representing a state of balance and harmony within the intellect.[37] (3) A state that destroys Tamas and Rajas, and dies when purified.[38] (4) Sattva is one of the Gunas, representing a quality of purity, lightness, and harmony in the context of being.[39]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) This is the limitless and endless quality, which is alone, and is the nature of the true wisdom without limit, and is the state of excellent happiness, and is the all-pervading and without stain.[40] (2) A quality in the mind that leads to clarity and purity, contributing to spiritual understanding.[41] (3) Describes the main body of the bird Om, representing purity, harmony, and balance in one's nature.[42] (4) A state of purity and harmony that is sought for enlightenment, considered vital for achieving liberation.[43] (5) The quality of purity, harmony, and balance that leads to spiritual growth and clarity of mind.[44]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is the internal organ, the means by which man sees dreams, and the text also mentions it as the entity that eats the sweet fruit.[45]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Purity or clarity in one's nature, essential for spiritual perception and understanding of the Supreme.[46]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Existence or being, often referenced in discussion of momentariness and permanence regarding physical objects.[47]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The nature of sattva is associated with the secondary constituent of a compound, implying a potential for connection with all numbers but no specific linkage.[48] (2) Sattva is a nature that is not possessed by the meaning expressed by indeclinables, which consequently results in the absence of gender and number.[49] (3) It is one of the three qualities of primordial matter prakriti and it is more fundamental.[50] (4) It is a substance, something concrete, that the secondary constituent of a compound expresses.[51] (5) A term associated with substance, which is expressed by a dvandva, and the meaning of a word like "ca" disappears in it because it is asattva.[52]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Sattva, referring to the quality of goodness of the thinking principle, is purified when the assumption of agency ceases, allowing it to merge into its first cause.[53]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Sattva, or essentiality, is a quality that is the principal factor in the specialized modifications of the powers of sensation and thought, originating from the unspecialized principle of egoism.[54] (2) Sattva, or the quality of Essentiality, is a key aspect in the process of discrimination, but the text emphasizes that recognizing the Purusha as distinct from Sattva is essential for liberation.[55] (3) This refers to the essence, and the text mentions its purification as a key aspect of achieving certain qualities.[56] (4) The quality of essentiality, associated with pleasure and the powers of sensation.[57] (5) A state of being or existence; knowledge originating from a pure or substantial foundation.[58]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The quality representing purity, idealism, tranquility, and harmony, often associated with light and clarity.[59] (2) A state of purity and harmony that can be reached through the influence of rajas.[60] (3) A quality (guna) associated with illumination, calmness, and peaceful happiness within an individual.[61]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Sattva is the specific term employed by learned individuals to denote the condition where the mind becomes entirely overcome by devotional or emotional stirrings pertaining to Krishna, regardless of whether the connection is immediate or slightly indirect.[62] (2) It refers to variations that cause disturbance of the mind due to rati, according to the text.[63] (3) The innate quality or essence that gives rise to various transformations or feelings.[64] (4) A quality of overwhelming emotions that affects how individuals express their feelings.[65]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) This is one of the triple ‘ahankaras’ that represents one of the Three Forms.[66]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to a level of pure consciousness or the possession of saintly qualities, knowledge, strength, and attractive form, as well as direct perception of Brahman.[67]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The essence of existence that includes both the three modes of material nature and the spiritual state known as shuddha-sattva, reflecting the nature of Parabrahman.[68] (2) A quality of goodness that is described in relation to the divine powers and engagement with the supreme Lord.[69]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Sattva represents the first state, which is partaken of by ascetics, hermits, Brahmanas, celestial beings, lunar asterisms, and Daityas.[70] (2) This refers to the quality whose distinguishing feature is the attainment of spiritual virtue, and it is declared to be superior to both the quality associated with riches and the one associated with enjoyment.[71] (3) Sattva represents one of the three qualities influencing disposition and action, leading to results that are also characterized by Sattva.[72] (4) 'Sattva', also known as Harmony, is one of the 'three constituent attributes' that constitute all products or evolutes, except for conscious entities that are free from these attributes.[73] (5) It is one of the qualities, along with Rajas and Tamas, related to the extension of operations caused by the Veda.[74]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Representation of the Sattva is related to the bhavas, which are psychological states that can infuse the meaning of the play into the spectators, along with words and gestures.[75] (2) The psychological essence or temperament that an actor draws upon to express various emotional states during a performance.[76] (3) Sattva is something invisible that supports psychological states and sentiments through physical expressions like horripilation and tears, and is crucial for the impact of a drama.[77] (4) The emotional state or core essence exhibited in performance that influences the overall atmosphere of a play.[78]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) This is goodness, when it dominates, it is considered superior among the three classes of qualities found in Prakriti.[79]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Sattva is the spiritual Guna that manifests Spirit or Pure Consciousness, leading to a calm, pure, equable, refined, wise, and spiritual temperament, indicating a Sattvika man.[80] (2) It is the Principle of Presentation of Consciousness in gross matter, which manifests the phenomena of sensibility observed in matter.[81]
Jain concept of 'Sattva'
In Jainism, Sattva signifies beings experiencing suffering due to their karma. These beings, including sattvas, pranas, bhutas, and jivas, have undergone multiple births but have not incarnated as gross elements like water, fire, or plants.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) These are a group of beings who, along with others, are subject to the experience of suffering, and this suffering can manifest in various forms, depending on their karma.[82] (2) Sattvas, pranas, bhutas, and jivas have been born in krishnaraji many times, though they have never been born as coarse water-bodies, coarse fire-bodies, or coarse flora-bodies.[83]
The concept of Sattva in local and regional sources
Sattva, as described, embodies purity, consciousness, and harmony, influencing individual behavior, knowledge, and spirituality. It represents a positive force within the mind, striving for illumination and equilibrium, essential for spiritual purity and human nature.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Sattva is a state in which Tamas and Rajas are submerged, and from which one then moves beyond the three qualities.[84] (2) Sattva is one of the three Gunas mentioned in the Vedas, representing a quality of nature that influences existence within the material realm.[85] (3) Sattva is calmness and light, and when the Sattva material prevails, knowledge comes.[86] (4) This is one of the three substances, the Gunas, which are essential to the universe, and it is the nature of reality.[87] (5) This represents the quality of illumination, one of the three qualities present in everyone, which can predominate at different times, and is related to the introspective nature.[88]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Sattva is described as one of the gunas, blended within the tiger, Raja, along with Rajas and Tamo gunas.[89] (2) This is one of the three gunas, which influences the mind's behavior, and it is a component determining the individual's pace.[90] (3) This is one of the three elements of Prakriti, described as shining by its pure light, making us long for happiness and knowledge, and enslaving the happy, as stated in the text.[91] (4) A state of purity and harmony in spiritual life that Tyagaraja seeks through his music.[92] (5) A concept representing purity and harmony that can diminish when noble ideals become widespread and lose individuality.[93]
The concept of Sattva in scientific sources
Sattva, a key concept in Ayurveda, embodies purity, knowledge, and emotional balance. It influences mental health by promoting resilience, clarity, and harmony, and is essential for spiritual growth and overall wellbeing through therapeutic interventions.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Sattva, or goodness, is the first guna, and it produces goodness and happiness, facilitating enlightenment and predominating in gods, divine beings, generous people, and men bent on purely spiritual pursuits.[94]