Sattumist

Sattumist is a modern term used in some spiritual and philosophical discussions to describe a person who consciously aligns with and promotes sattva, one of the three gunas in Indian thought. Sattva denotes qualities such as purity, harmony, balance, truthfulness, compassion, and constructive action. The word is formed from the Sanskrit root sattva meaning purity or virtue, with the English suffix -ist indicating a practitioner or advocate.

In classical Hindu philosophy, sattva is one of the gunas that color the mind and influence behavior, alongside rajas (activity) and tamas (inertia). The term sattumist does not appear in canonical scriptures; it is largely a contemporary neologism used by some writers and teachers to describe individuals who actively cultivate sattvic qualities and promote their cultivation in others. As such, it is mostly encountered in modern yoga, wellness, and self-development contexts rather than in traditional philosophical treatises.

Core characteristics associated with sattists include calmness, ethical integrity, self-discipline, clarity of thought, non-harm, and a preference for truthfulness and non-violence. Practices often linked to sattist ideals include mindful living, meditation, ethical conduct, simple or vegetarian diets, and non-attachment to excessive sensory stimulation. The concept is sometimes connected to dietary guidance emphasizing sattvic foods and to lifestyles that prioritize balance and compassion.

Critics note that sattumist remains a loose, contemporary label without standardized criteria. As a result, its meaning can vary across communities. Nevertheless, it serves as a convenient shorthand for discussions about cultivating virtuous, harmonious dispositions within the framework of the gunas.