Messages 2026
The Gunas and Beyond
August 3rd, 2026
Online Circle of Light, Nashville, TN, USA
Yogananda received by Jimbeau Walsh
I come in the love of God. I am Yogananda.
I spoke through the other dear brother recently about the need to focus, to be persistent and sincere, so that all the blessings you wish for may be received, that the change you seek may become a reality. But today I wish to speak about something many of you may not be familiar with, as it is derived from Yogic and Vedic culture, and that is the Gunas. This is an integral part of the culture that I grew up in, and it is mentioned in the Upanishads, in Vedic Scripture, in the Bhagavad Gita, and by Sri Ramakrishna in his gospel. I shall try and put it in simple words so that you may comprehend easily.
The Gunas represent the attributes or qualities of nature that are present in all of material manifestation as well as in each life to varying degrees. They are Satva, Rajas, and Tamas. If I were to describe them in terms of food, for instance. I would say that Sattvic food is life-supporting, pure, and brings peace, calmness, and equanimity to the body. Rajasic food is energetic and can be very fiery, but it promotes action. Tamasic food is inert, dead, not life-supporting, and really the opposite of Sattvic; not healthy. All human beings embody aspects of these three qualities, and because of free will and knowledge and prayer, whatever is in the forefront can move to the back. And so these things are changeable. When I taught my students Kriya yoga, I emphasized the importance of a Sattvic lifestyle, simple, pure, reverent, prayerful, studious, loving God. Of course, we live in a world of action, so there is a certain amount of passion, activity, and desire for new experiences in the Rajasic way. This way unfortunately has attraction and aversion in it, and despite its energetic qualities, it can produce very negative results. That said, activity and energy can also produce many wonderful things. So, the Rajasic nature needs to have a balance with a Sattvic lifestyle. Those who are overwhelmed by Tamas or the Tamasic nature are often despondent, in grief, hopeless, sometimes angry, blaming, finding fault. Inertia is its key quality, and so for those we pray that they may be touched in love. The yogis have always encouraged those who follow their guidance to live a Sattvic lifestyle because it is more balanced and at ease, more God-minded. And you can also see in Christian monasteries and Hindu ashrams, groups of people who have decided to live a very simple spiritual life in God. On the natural level, this is true of Buddhists and in some older cultures. In the Jewish tradition, there were of course the Essenes and those who distanced themselves from the hustle and bustle of life, honoring scripture and devotion.
So yes, I encourage simplicity and focus and healthy living. But even all these manifest qualities are simply in the natural world. One can be bound by them, so I encourage all to embrace God, your love for God, and to open to God’s love for you that you may transcend even the best human conditions into the Divine Realms, which is your destiny and the desire of your Creator. The world is a transient place. It is but a fleeting moment in eternity, and if I may paraphrase the Master, ‘what does it profit one to obtain the whole world and lose sight of their soul’?
For the great treasure is the Father’s love, and as you come together in this circle, we come with you, and you are accompanied by many. Not only Celestial angels but as some of you know, progressive spirits and sometimes even those in the lower spheres who are attracted to the light. There is more here than meets the mortal eye. Let your soul rejoice in oneness, in this blessing in the beautiful light of heaven and in the Love of God.
I thank you. I am your brother and friend, and I love you.
I am Yogananda. God in peace.