sattva

Sattva is a concept in Indian philosophy and Hindu thought describing one of the three gunas that make up prakriti, the fundamental material nature. It denotes qualities of harmony, balance, brightness, and clarity that incline a being toward truth and knowledge.

Etymology-wise, sattva comes from the Sanskrit sat, meaning truth or being, with the suffix -tva indicating a state or quality. In the traditional framework of Samkhya and Yoga, the three gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas—interact to shape mind and behavior, with sattva representing purity and equilibrium, rajas representing activity and desire, and tamas representing inertia and ignorance.

Characteristics of sattva include clear perception, calmness, virtue, and wisdom. A predominantly sattvic disposition tends toward self-control, compassion, truthful speech, and ethical conduct. Sattva can be destabilized or overwhelmed by excessive attachment to outcomes, pride, or prolonged exposure to stimulating influences, and it is said to evolve through practice and discernment.

In scriptural literature such as the Bhagavad Gita, sattva guna is presented as the most favorable mode when cultivated through right action, devotion, discrimination, and detachment from results. It is not considered permanent; spiritual growth involves transcending gunos or transforming them through wisdom and righteous living.

In Ayurveda and contemporary spirituality, sattva is associated with a diet and lifestyle that promote mental clarity and balance. Sattvic foods—fresh, wholesome, lightly cooked items—along with meditation, ethical conduct, and mindfulness are viewed as supports for cultivating sattva.