Significance of Tama Guna
Tama Guna, according to Vaishnavism and Purana, signifies a mode of ignorance characterized by darkness, negative traits, and lethargy. It embodies qualities such as deception, violence, and delusion, leading to confusion and inactivity in individuals. In scientific contexts, it denotes mental inertia and passivity, resulting in idleness and diminished motivation. Additionally, Tama Guna is linked to dietary influences on mental clarity and is predominant at night, significantly impacting sleep and awareness. Overall, it reflects a state of ignorance and inactivity.
Synonyms: Sattva, Purity, Goodness, Harmony, Righteousness
In Dutch: Tama Guna; In Finnish: Tama Guna; In Spanish: Tipo de arma
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Tama Guna'
Tama Guna in Hinduism represents the quality of darkness, ignorance, and lethargy, linked to negative traits like deception and violence. It embodies inertia, leading to confusion and sorrow in one's actions, and characterizes beings of lower nature.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) One of three qualities (or Gunas) representing darkness, ignorance, and lethargy, associated with beings of lower nature.[1] (2) The quality of darkness, ignorance, and inertia; often leads to lethargy and confusion in one's actions.[2]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is the darkness that is considered to be the obstacle in attaining knowledge, producing apathy and indifference, and is opposite of Sattva Guna.[3] (2) This gets vitiated in Sthoola, and due to overeating of Kaphaja Ahara, Kapha Dosa and this get vitiated in Sthoola, and Nidradhikya is a symptom, and it is related to sleep.[4]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the mode of ignorance that is predominated by Shesha Sankarshana[5]
The concept of Tama Guna in scientific sources
Tama Guna embodies qualities of inertia, passivity, and darkness, contrasting with Satva. It represents ignorance, laziness, and delusion, leading to sleepiness and lack of awareness in individuals, influencing behavior and mental states.