Human Behavior: Guna, Karma, Sanskar Theory

The theory of Guna, the law of Karma and the concept of Sanskaras offer together a composite, interacting framework for understanding empirical individual and an action program of self-growth

Gunas, Karmas & Sanskars

What is karma? It means work. Suppose you have to make a vesti (dhoti). There are a number of processes, a number of works for it. The cotton has to be gathered from the field; it has to be cleaned and spun into yarn; then the yarn has to be woven into cloth and dyed. In the same way a man has to be made a knower of the Atman through a series of rituals. Karma has to be performed in such a way as to purify him both outwardly and inwardly. Such a karma is called samskara

When we use the term " Atmaguna " or speak about the Atman being rendered pure, there is a suggestion that we are dualists ( Dvaitins ) who hold that the individual self is different from the Paramatman. In truth there is only one Atman, one Self, and there is no difference between the jivatman or individual self and the Parabrahman. The Self is ever pure. So it is wrong to believe that it has to be purified by the samskaras. It is nirguna, unconditioned and without attributes. So it is also wrong to speak of what are called Atmagunas, since the Atman has truly no gunas or qualities or attributes.
The sages have laid down the forty samskaras and the eight "Atmagunas " for this purpose. The eight gunas or qualities are : daya, ksanti, anasuya, sauca, anayasa, mangala, akarpanya, asprha.

Guna (SRT) Theory

Entire universe (including human mind) is a manifestation of mula-prakriti which has three constituents S (Satwa), R (Rajas) & T (Tamas), in that hierarchical order. S is primary positive emotion while T and majority of R represent negative secondary emotions. This concept is useful to management. 1. Tamasik (the greedy, darkness, inertia) Moha 2. Rajasik (the forceful, passionate, ambitious) Trishna 3. Satwik (the pure, wise) Prakash

Hierarchy of Needs (Unity in Trinity)

1. Characteristics of Satwik people are kindness, enlightenment, forgiveness, truth, contentment, love, devotion, humility, & happiness. Actions have clear directions & purpose 2. Characteristics of Rajsik people are cleverness of intellect, strength, bravery, pride, greed, jealousy, anger, discrimination, urge to dominate and win 3. Characteristics of Tamasik people are laziness, arrogance, ignorance, violence, deceit, theft and sinful activity. All actions are wasteful 4. There can be hybrid Gunas like Rajaso-tamasic or Sattwo-rajasic where the first Guna dominates.

Tridevs are everywhere!

1. When man is full of bliss and pure light, he is Satwik. He will be full of virtue & knowledge 2. When a man is experiencing pain & dissatisfaction he might be towards Rajasik which leads him to become active 3. When a man is in dark, he is Tamasik which would make him cruel 4. S foods (butter, curd) are soft, sweet & nourishing 5. R foods (spicy) are bitter, sour, saltish, very hot, pungent & burning 6. T foods (alcohol) are spoiled, stale & unclean

Distinction between S, R, T
Parameter
Vision Approach Emotions Attitude Orientation Tendency Base Energy Mind Drive level

Satwa
Unstained Unattached Balanced Selfless Result Duty-bound Wisdom Enthusiastic Calm Love Spiritual

Rajas
Blurred Attached Moderate Selfish Rewards Calculating Self-interest Passionate Disturbed Desire Pragmatic

Tamas
Unrealistic Inconstant Extremes Harmful Unclear Haphazard Ignorance Lethargic Agitated Greed Impulsive

Relevance of Guna theory in Management

1. Societies & people are dominated by R & T, S is to be awakened 2. Managers take decision while decision making is affected by Gunas. Tamasik would take harmful decisions, Satwik what will bring maximum good to maximum people 3. Yoga & meditation help towards pure mind & vision i.e. brings Satwa 4. Satwa also is reflected by team work, mutual trust, cooperation & collaboration

5. Look at the characteristic of a leader as given by Chamber of Commerce

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Integrity Intelligence Innovativeness Ability to aspire & motivate people Being effective & efficient Having emotional stability & self-control

6. It is clear that R & T dominates people so S is required to be awakened for effective leadership 7. It can be equated to Sukha, Dukhs and Moha

OSHA Model
(Om, Sattwa and Humanness)
Method
Saam Daam Bhed Dand

Tamasik
Guide Reward Criticise Control

Rajasik
Inform Empower Challenge Warn

Satwik
Consult Recognize Silence Monitor

Saam (treating equally), Daam (rewarding), Bhed (discrimination) and Dand (punishment). With application, it is possible to change from one state to another