Human constitution

Tridosha is a cosmic phenomenon that is present not only in human beings, but in every thing in the universe.

The predominance of one or another dosha represents people and objects. In the physical constitution of any person there is a prevailing dosha, giving that person the characteristics of his/her personality. This way, a person can have a vata, pitta or kapha personality or constitution. There is also a prevailing dosha in our food, remedies, the hours of the day and night, climatic seasons and conditions. Therefore, it is important that the treatment takes into account all these factors. For example: if a vata person is being treated for an illness caused by an unbalanced pitta, a remedy or diet that goes along with the appropriate hour and season must be prescribed.

In addition to the physical constitution, the psychological constitution must be considered. In the mental or astral plane the psychological constitution has three attributes (gunas) that match the three doshas of the physical constitution. In the Ayurvedic medicine system, these three attributes provide the basis for the distinctions in the human temperament and the differences in the moral and psychological conditions. The three basic attributes or gunas are: satva, rajas and tamas.

Satva expresses essence, understanding, kindness, purity, clarity, compassion and love. Rajas involve movement, passion aggressiveness and extroversion. The raja mind operates at a sensual level. Tamas is expressed as ignorance, a thickness in reason, destructive egotism, envy, laziness, inertia, slowness, carelessness and clumsiness.

In general, satva people have a healthful body, purity of conscience and positive conduct. Being highly spiritual and idealistic, they are people who feel the presence of God.

Raja individuals are interested in social activities, business, prosperity, fame, politics, good reputation and family honor, and other worldly goals, which they conceive as factors of power, prestige and position. They enjoy their wealth and, generally, they are extroverted people. Although they may believe in God, they do not belong to a religious tradition by conviction, but convention. As we have said, they are very diplomatic, pragmatic, calculating and utilitarian.

Tamas people are lazy, selfish, petty, envious, false and able to destroy others. In general, they have little respect for others and their beliefs and achievements. Obviously, they are not spiritual people. However, they may explore witchcraft practices or use the black magic of the Avidya Tantra, worship evil forces, etc., because they feel a particular attraction to attain everything they set out to through illicit and improper means. Their influence in their environs is, it is important to remember, always negative and inevitably destructive for other people.

These three subtle mental energies are responsible for the different behavioral patterns, and can be altered and improved through the diet and by practicing yoga and other spiritual-physical disciplines. The Ayurvedic doctor can assist and lead us further in this modification of the behavior, leading the patient towards a more balanced and essential way of physical, mental and spiritual living.

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