Sattva
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In Hindu philosophy, sattva (Sanskrit for "pure", sometimes transliterated satva, sattwa, or other spellings) is the highest of the three gunas. Any object or creature can be called satvic if it has no source in evil and can cause only good to the world. Other words are rajasic and tamasic, which are used to denote things that are not satvic. The three words satvic, rajasic, and tamasic are used to describe the behaviour of objects in the universe. They are known in sanskrit as gunas and are described and detailed in Samkhya - One of the Six Indian Schools of Philosophy. In the Hindu Veda, Sattva[1] can also means existence, being, goodness, power, .. etc.
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[edit] Satvic objects
For an object or food to be satvic, 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. 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 satvic 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.
[edit] Satvic creatures
A person or creature can be called satvic if the creature has predominantly satvic tendencies. Every living creature can have any of the three tendencies satvic, rajasic, and tamasic.
A satvic individual always works for the welfare of the world. He is always hardworking, alert and lives life moderately. He leads a chaste life. He eats moderately. He speaks the truth and is bold. He never uses vulgar or insulting language. He does not feel jealous nor is he affected by greed and selfishness. He does not cheat or mislead anyone. He does not even allow any evil tendencies to enter his mind. He has good memory and concentration. He also has keen interest in improving his spiritual knowledge, and spends time worshiping god or meditating. In the extreme state he may even perform penance or uninterrupted meditation. A satvic individual can be recognized if his 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 Indians to be satvic are:
- Holy men and bhaktas like Tulsidas, Tyagaraja, Tukaram
- Ancient rishis like Vashishta, Kashyapa
- Modern day sages like Ramana, Aurobindo
- Modern day leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Rajagopalachari
- Divine beings in heavens
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Sattvic Leadership
- 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.
