The 3 Qualities of the Mind

It is past midnight. Tearing through dark clouds, thousands of feet above the earth, the plane begins to shudder.

This is more than turbulence. One of the engines has failed.

Now watch what unfolds:

The pilot assures the ATC that he will salvage the situation. He calmly consults his first officer and together, they follow emergency landing procedures.

Among the airhostesses, there is no thought but to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. Darting through the plane, they check every system, all controls. In their minds, one thought reigns supreme: no one should be hurt.

There is a scream from one of the passengers, who has now realised that something is very wrong. Hands clammy, eyes watering, she is about to faint. The young girl beside her pulls her into a comforting hug.

In evidence in this situation are three qualities of mind:

The pilot and the young girl represent Sattva—the calm, unruffled and optimistic mind.

The cabin crew are Rajas, action-oriented and focussed.

The panicky passenger represents Tamas, or the pessimistic, confused and therefore helpless mind.

The story has a happy ending: the plane makes a safe landing, and no one is hurt. But episodes like these can give us a glimpse into the dominant qualities of our minds.

According to ayurvedic healers, the balanced personality is that which is composed of equal measures of Rajas, Tamas and Sattva. But most of us are dominated by one quality or ‘guna’. Which of these do you think you are, and which do you aspire to be?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kari K.

1:31PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

Hmmmmmmm

send a green star

J.L. A.

10:12AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Each new taxonomy for assisting self reflection and knowledge can release new insights--thanks.

Roxana C.

7:24AM PST on Jan 30, 2012

Interesting.

Margaret F.

5:33AM PST on Jan 30, 2012

Interesting article & comments. I imagine a lot has to do with one's own perspective. Thank-you.

Chad A.

4:58PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

It is always hard to think of confusion and panic as part of balance, but I guess I have always turned out well enough and I always have panic even in the face of determination and focus, so this strikes me as plausible and balanced.

Jane B.

2:01PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Who is "Lord Krisha"? If he's somebody to worship and bow down to, I'm out. My definition of
"transcending" is NOT putting myself in a trance. The only "absolute, unbounded field of bliss
consciousness in MY awareness" is during an ORGASM. All this other double talk is a load of effluent. Sexual healing is where it's at. Just ask Marvin Gaye.

Elizabeth M.

1:42PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Definitely a Tamas and aspire to be more like a strong Sattva.

Marianna B M.

10:16AM PST on Jan 29, 2012

thanks

Barbara A.

6:52AM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Food for thought!

Susan N.

5:51AM PST on Jan 29, 2012

I'm always aiming to be in Sattva but it depends on how the day is going and how I can keep it in check.