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]
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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:
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.
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: