Note: Western allopathic methods are excellent, and lifesaving in many situations; however, they often lack the foundational components of healing the mind and body – something that is found in the Ayurvedic & Yogic approach. Healing requires wisdom from both methods to create deep, lasting transformation. An integrative approach to health and healing is the way of the future (that is to say, both Western and Eastern applications hold merit). 

Ayurvedic Psychology: A Brief Overview 

Ayurvedic psychology views the body and mind as being inextricably linked - material coverings that house the transcendental soul. The primary goal is to address imbalances in the mind and body through the application of the Maha Gunas. 

Influenced by schools of thought from India, including Ayurvedic teachings and Yoga Scriptures, Ayurvedic psychology combines a philosophic approach with time-tested treatments that restore balance. One of its core teachings is that disease is a chronic state of imbalance, created by a combination of personal choices, environmental influences, and karmic reactions. 

Contributing lifestyle factors to mental imbalance or illness may include: 

• Incorrect use of the senses 

• Engaging in behaviours that are not beneficial to health and healing 

• Living under the influence of Tamas and Rajas 

• Lack of awareness of habitual behaviours 

• Disrupted or irregular daily routines 

• Consumption of unnatural, processed foods 

• Lack of nourishing spiritual practice 

Ayurvedic Psychology doesn’t view the mind as part of the brain. Instead, it considers the mind-body-spirit complex as the material vehicle used for sensory perception – a means by which the soul can act and interact within this material plane. We are not the mind - we are the eternal soul, observer of the mind. Therefore, mental health treatment involves addressing how the mind, body, and senses are engaged daily. 

Lifestyle treatment may include: 

• Yoga asana 

• Pranayama 

• Meditation 

• Correct use of the senses 

• Considerate and sensible living 

• Sattvic diet 

• Medicinal herbs 

• Detoxification (in more serious cases) 

Unlike Western psychology, counselling is not delivered in isolation but included within a broader health consultation. 

The Maha Guna Theory 

One of the most fundamental teachings of Ayurvedic psychology is that the mind takes on the quality of its environment, which is shaped by the three modes of material nature: 

• Sattva – The mode of goodness 

• Rajas – The mode of passion 

• Tamas – The mode of ignorance 

It is under the influence of these three modes that we think and act, knowingly or unknowing making decisions depending on the influence we are under. So how do we take control and utilise this knowledge to condition our mind to think, feel and act in a way that keeps us on the path to health and peace?  

The Maha Gunas (also called tri-gunas), as spoken about by Lord Krishna in the epic Vedic text, The Bhagavad-Gita1: 

Material nature consists of three modes—goodness, passion and ignorance. 

When the eternal living entity comes in contact with nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna,  

he becomes conditioned by these modes. 

O Sinless one, the mode of goodness, being purer than the others, is illuminating,  

and it frees one from all sinful reactions. Those situated in that mode become  

conditioned by a sense of happiness and knowledge. 

The mode of passion is born of unlimited desires and longings, O son of Kunti,  

and because of this the embodied living entity is bound to material fruitive actions. 

O Son of Bharata, know that the mode of darkness, born of ignorance, is the delusion  

of all embodied living entities. The results of this mode are madness, indolence and sleep, which bind the conditioned soul.  

O Son of Bharata, the mode of goodness conditions one to happiness; passion conditions one to fruitive action; and ignorance, covering one’s knowledge, binds one to madness. 

Sometimes the mode of goodness becomes prominent, defeating the mode of passion and ignorance, O Son of Bharata. Sometimes the mode of passion defeats goodness and ignorance, and at other times ignorance defeats goodness and passion. 

 In this way there is always competition for supremacy. 

From the mode of goodness, real knowledge develops; from the mode of passion, greed develops; and from the mode of ignorance develop foolishness, madness and illusion. 

Following on from these texts, Lord Krishna leads into talking about what is beyond the three modes, which is relevant to understanding how the three modes relate to yoga / self-discovery and enlightenment: 

The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: O Son of Pandu, he who does not hate illumination, attachment and delusion when they are present or long for them when they disappear; who is unwavering and undisturbed through all these reactions of the material qualities, remaining neutral and transcendental, knowing that all modes alone are active; who is situated in the self and regards alike happiness and distress; who looks upon a lump of earth, a stone and a piece of gold with an equal eye; who is equal towards the desirable; who is steady, situated equally well in praise and blame, honour and dishonour; who treats alike both friend and enemy; and who has renounced all material activities – such a person is said to have transcended the modes of material nature. 

I wanted to introduce the connection between the Maha Gunas and yoga because of the way they affect not only our mental health, but our state of consciousness. When we speak of psychology in Western terms, it’s only in relation to the mind, the brain, thoughts, beliefs, patterns, etc. But in Ayurveda and Yoga, the mind can be our “best friend” because it’s a tool we use on our journey of self-discovery and spiritual development; OR it can be our “worst enemy” because it can pull us down into the depths of ignorance, drama, distraction, and delusion – taking us away from our ultimate purpose (or any kind of health and vibrancy for that matter!). Understanding the yogic aspect of these 3 energies can help us understand how working with them has the capacity to heal beyond a machinist approach to the body, whereby they can mechanically shift their mindset and consciousness in a way that harmonises with nature, and situates them in a much better position for growth and transformation. 

Benefits 

• Deepen understanding of the forces influencing our lives 

• Assess readiness for change based on Guna dominance 

• Meet people where they’re at, based on their dominant Guna 

• Support transformation without complex prescriptions 

• Educate on mind-body connection in a simple, relatable way 

Application: A Scientific Approach to Organic Behaviour Change 
  
When we speak of the mind and modes of material nature (the Maha Gunas), it’s so much more than just mental health. It’s a concept that helps us to see and understand our mind-body-spirit complex in a holistic way; a perception that helps us to understand that everything we do; everything we engage with – every thought, action, word – has an effect, an influence, on our mind, consciousness, physical body and overall state of being.  

While the majority of people may not be striving for enlightenment, the laws of nature can still be understood and grasped: 

You want more darkness, delusions, and to feel trapped by your own behaviours and toxic relationships? Great, just add more Tamas.  

 You want more passion, material success, drive?  Cultivate more Rajas.  

 You want more peace, contentment, freedom, balance? Cultivate more Sattva.  

How This Supports Wellbeing 

• Promotes Lifestyle Regulation 

• Supports the cultivation of Healthy Thought Processes 

• Connection: with self, others, and environment 

• Vitality: aligning with natural law to restore strength 

• Habit Mastery: understanding the mind’s influence to foster growth