Significance of Tamoguna
Tamoguna, according to various philosophical and spiritual traditions such as Vaishnavism, Ayurveda, and Yoga, is one of the three gunas or qualities that embody darkness, ignorance, and lethargy. This mode of material nature leads individuals away from spiritual enlightenment and is associated with qualities like inertia and chaos. Tamoguna obscures real knowledge and promotes negative attributes such as laziness and confusion. Its influence can hinder personal growth, contributing to emotional and mental challenges, making it crucial for individuals to recognize and counteract its effects.
In Dutch: Tamoguna; In German: Tamoguna; In Finnish: Tamoguna; In Spanish: 罢补尘辞驳耻帽补
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Tamoguna'
Tamoguna in Hinduism signifies the mode of ignorance characterized by darkness and lethargy, influencing individuals away from enlightenment, contributing to chaos, destruction, and negative attributes like laziness and confusion. It is one of the three fundamental gunas.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The quality linked to darkness, ignorance, and lethargy, leading to despair and confusion.[1] (2) The Tamas Guna is of black color and is the source of negative attributes like laziness, ignorance, sleep, and quarrels, leading to a lack of peace and understanding.[2] (3) The quality of darkness and inertia, associated with ignorance and laziness, influencing the more chaotic aspects of existence.[3] (4) A quality of the servants of Yama, indicating a heavy, lethargic, or dark nature.[4] (5) The worst quality that completely hides real Knowledge.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The mode of ignorance, associated with darkness and lethargy.[6] (2) The mode of ignorance that Shri Sankarshana is associated with, acting as a source of destruction.[7]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A mode of material nature that represents darkness, associated with Lord Shiva who worships Lord Ananta.[8]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) One of the three modes of material nature, specifically the mode of ignorance that leads individuals away from spiritual understanding.[9]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) One of the three gunas representing darkness, inertia, and confusion.[10]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The quality of inertia and darkness in the context of unmanifest sound and energy.[11]
The concept of Tamoguna in local and regional sources
Tamoguna describes a stage of disorganization that evolves into Rajoguna and ultimately Sattvaguna. It often masquerades as Sattva, exemplified by Arjuna, where it manifests as pity or compassion in his character.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This loves very much to array itself in the garb of the Sattva, as seen in Arjuna, the mighty warrior, where it has come under the guise of Daya (pity).[12] (2) Tamoguna is a concept related to the organization of bodies and how they become more finely organized, transitioning into Rajoguna and eventually Sattvaguna.[13]