Karika 13: Sattva, rajas and tamas, each described
The words
Translation
Sattva is said to be light (buoyant) and illuminating. Rajas is stimulating and active. Tamas is indeed heavy and restraining. [These three attributes] function like a clay lamp, working together for the purpose [of the soul].
The three gunas
Sattva
Rajas
Tamas
Its nature (karika 12)
happiness
sorrow
dejection
Its function (karika 12)
illumination
stimulation
restraint
Its character (karika 13)
light and illuminating
stimulating and active
heavy and restraining
They suppress one another, support one another, generate the creation jointly and work together, like the parts of a clay lamp.
Gold: what karika 13 adds; a gold outline marks what it speaks of. Tap any box to see what the karikas say about it.