Sattva

Sattva (Sanskrit: सत्त्व, meaning goodness) is one of the three guṇas or "modes of existence" (tendencies, qualities, attributes), a philosophical and psychological concept understood by the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy.[1][2] The other two qualities are rajas (passion and activity) and tamas (destruction, chaos). Sattva is the quality of goodness, purity, positivity, truth, serenity, balance, peacefulness, and virtuousness that is drawn towards Dharma and jñāna (knowledge).[1][3][4]

  1. ^ a b Gerald James Larson (2001). Classical Sāṃkhya: An Interpretation of Its History and Meaning. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 10–18, 49, 163. ISBN 978-8120805033.
  2. ^ James G. Lochtefeld, "Sattva", in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A–M, Vol. 2, Rosen Publishing, ISBN 978-0823931798, p. 608
  3. ^ Ian Whicher (1998), The Integrity of the Yoga Darśana, State University of New York Press, pp. 86–87, 124–125, 163–167, 238–243 [ISBN missing]
  4. ^ Carus, Paul. "Karma and Nirvana. Are the Buddhist Doctrines Nihilistic?" Monist 4 (1893-94): 417-439.