GUNA

GUNA

DEFINITION OF GUNA

• Guna refers to the inherent qualities or attributes of a Dravya (substance).
• In Ayurveda, Guna is responsible for the properties and actions of substances.
• It plays a crucial role in pharmacology, physiology, and pathology.

• गुणाः प्रधानामेव द्रव्याणां स्वाभावहेतु च| तेन गुणास्तु तेन न रहिति कारणात्मकारणम्||

CLASSIFICATION OF GUNA ACCORDING TO VARIOUS DARSHANAS

Different philosophical schools (Darshanas) have classified Guna in various ways:

• Vaisheshika Darshana – Describes 24 Gunas, including Guru, Laghu, Ruksha, Snigdha, etc.

• Nyaya Darshana – Mentions qualities affecting perception like Shabda (sound), Sparsha (touch), Rupa (form), Rasa (taste), and Gandha (smell).

• Samkhya Darshana – Classifies Guna into three fundamental types: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, which influence mind and behavior.

CLASSIFICATION OF GUNA IN CHARAKA SAMHITA

Charaka categorizes Guna based on their impact on the body and Doshas:

• Gurvadi Gunas

– 20 Gunas classified into 10 opposing pairs:

• Guru (heavy) – Laghu (light)

• Manda (slow) – Tikshna (sharp)

• Sheeta (cold) – Ushna (hot)

• Snigdha (unctuous) – Ruksha (dry)

• Slakshna (smooth) – Khara (rough)

• Sandra (dense) – Drava (fluid)

• Mrudu (soft) – Kathina (hard)

• Sthira (stable) – Chala (mobile)

• Sukshma (subtle) – Sthula (gross)

• Vishada (clear) – Picchila (sticky)

गुरुर्मां लघु च मन्दा तिक्ष्ण शीताः| स्निग्धारूक्षाश्च खर परिग्रहिता च||

LAKSHANA OF INDRIYARTHA GUNAS WITH EXAMPLES

Indriyartha Gunas are qualities perceived by the five senses:

• Shabda (Sound)

• Quality perceived by the ears.

• Example: The resonance of a bell, the chirping of birds.

• Sparsha (Touch)

• Quality perceived by the skin.

• Example: The softness of cotton, the heat of fire.

• Rupa (Form/Color)

• Quality perceived by the eyes.

• Example: The redness of a hibiscus flower, the brightness of the sun.

• Rasa (Taste)

• Quality perceived by the tongue.

• Example: The sweetness of honey, the bitterness of neem.

• Gandha (Smell)

• Quality perceived by the nose.

• Example: The fragrance of jasmine, the pungent smell of asafoetida.

Thus, the concept of Guna is fundamental in Ayurveda as it governs the properties of substances, their effects on the body, and their role in health and disease management.