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ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE
In part two of our Mahāguṇa series, we explore Rajas - the force of movement, desire, and change. Rajas is what gets us out of bed, onto the mat, and into the world. But left unchecked, it’s also what drives restlessness, distraction, and burnout.
We unpack how to recognise Rajas in the mind and body, how to work with its energy wisely, and how to shape it toward Sattva through yoga, breath, meditation, and daily life.
DEFINITION AND ETYMOLOGY OF RAJAS
From the Sanskrit root rañj, meaning to colour or to stir.
Rajas is the guṇa of action, propulsion, stimulation, restlessness, and friction.
It is responsible for change, transformation, and intention but when excessive, it agitates the mind and disturbs stillness.
KEY CONCEPTS COVERED
Rajas as the upstirring factor behind all movement and motivation.
Its presence in Samkhya philosophy, Prakṛti, and the meaning of “Kriyā” (action).
The symptoms of rajasic imbalance: overstimulation, restlessness, fidgeting, racing breath, insomnia.
Rajasic Citta in the Yoga Sutra and its obstacles to meditation.
The fine line between Tejas (discernment) and Rajas (overdrive).
The “exit ramp” metaphor for slowly settling excessive Rajas.
When to pacify Rajas vs when to cultivate it (e.g. from lethargy or procrastination).
TEXTUAL SOURCES
Samkhya Kārikā: defines Rajas as “activity” and “impulse”.
Yoga Sutra references to rajasic citta, breath disturbances, and agitation as obstacles to steadiness.
Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā and traditional Prāṇāyāma frameworks for regulating energy.
PRACTICAL INTEGRATION
When Rajas is Excessive:
Asana:
Slow transitions, long holds, grounding poses (twists, forward folds, belly-down backbends).
Emphasise symmetry and rhythm over intensity.
Extend Savasana to allow full integration.
Prāṇāyāma:
Lengthen the exhale (e.g. 4:8 ratio).
Chandra Bhedana, Śītalī (cooling breath).
Avoid stimulating kriyas and aggressive techniques.
Meditation:
Use structured meditations like 61-point relaxation or kriya-based visualisations.
Build up from movement-based or guided practices.
Avoid jumping straight into stillness - build spaciousness gradually.
Lifestyle & Ayurveda:
Reduce stimulants (coffee, spicy foods, loud media, excessive screen time).
Focus on routine, rest, cooling foods and soothing sensory inputs.
Use unstructured time to unwind - slow mornings, no-schedule days.
When Rajas is Deficient:
Practice dynamic asana like Surya Namaskār, backbends, lateral extensions.
Use energising prāṇāyāma: Kapalabhāti, Bhastrikā, Sūrya Bhedana, Ujjāyī.
Short, purposeful meditation to set clear direction.
Cultivate intention, rhythm and forward momentum in daily life.
SHARE & CONNECT
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OM