Sattva
Satvic or Sattvic or satva is to be pronounced as Saa-thvik or as Saa-thvaa respectively. The Sanskrit word can be translated to mean pure. Any object or creature can be called satvic if it has no source in evil and can cause only good to the world. Other words are rajasic and tamasic, which are used to denote things that are not satvic. The three words satvic, rajasic, and tamasic are used to describe the behaviour of objects in the universe. They are known in sanskrit as gunas.
Satvic objects
For an object or food to be satvic, 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. 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 satvic are:
- Flowers, fruits, and food that are allowed as offerings to God
- Neem tree
- The milk of a cow which has grown in good surroundings, is healthy
and has been obtained after the calf of the cow has been fed well. In
cases when the cow has been ill treated, it becomes sinful or evil to
drink such milk. It must be remembered that the cow is sacred for the Hindus.
Satvic creatures
A person or creature can be called satvic if the creature has predominantly satvic tendencies. Every living creature can have any of the three tendencies ratvic, rajasic, and tamasic.
A satvic individual always works for the welfare of the
world. He is always hardworking, alert and lives life moderately. He
leads a chaste life. He eats moderately. He speaks the truth and is
bold. He never uses vulgar or insulting language. He does not feel
jealous nor is he affected by greed and selfishness. He does not cheat
or mislead anyone. He does not even allow any evil tendencies to enter
his mind. He has good memory and concentration. He also has keen
interest in improving his spiritual knowledge, and spends time
worshiping god or meditating. In the extreme state he may even perform
penance or uninterrupted meditation. A satvic individual can be recognized if his 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 Indians to be satvic are:
- Holy men and bhaktas like Tulsidas, tyagaraja, tukaram
- Ancient rishis like vashishta, kashyapa
- Modern day sages like ramana, aurobindo
- Modern day leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Rajagopalachari
- Divine beings in heavens
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