The 3 States of the Doshas: Inert, Agitated or Balanced
To understand more of the complexities of each of the humours, we can also see them in relation to each of their three states. These states are known in Sanskrit as Tamas, Rajas and Sattva, and are simply translated here as 'inert', 'agitated' and 'balanced'.
The 3 States of Vāta
When an inert nature is expressed in a Vāta type, there is fear present which may lead to phobias. Fear keeps us from experiencing life fully, but it also protects us from danger. This danger can all too often be in a Vāta type's mind, however, and have no bearing on the reality of a situation. These are the influences of both Saturn and Rāhu.
In a Vāta type, when an inert nature is expressed, there is a need to lift out of the sense of fear and to get moving. When this is achieved, there is a stage of agitation that a Vāta type finds themselves in for a large portion of their lives. Staying in this state is not possible for long periods of time, however, and eventually there is a breakdown into inertia once more. There can be a breakthrough into a more balanced, harmonious quality, although this is not generally achieved after a period of prolonged agitation.
It may appear that way on the surface of things, as with someone who is exhausted appearing to be at peace, but this state of exhaustion is not a balanced state of being, but a state of decay.
When Vāta is agitated, there can be an addictive quality to the high one achieves. This high is a false sense of vitality, which sooner or later crashes back down into inertia. If we find ourselves burning the candle at both ends, pushing through exhaustion, creating a false sense of vitality, we eventually exhaust ourselves. This leads us into a more inert state, which offers us a protective period against further threat. This is often experienced through illness. Fear of further repercussions keeps us from exerting ourselves even more, and even a Vāta type must slow down and take to the bed.
When Vāta types are balanced, they find themselves being more creative and enthusiastic. They know how much energy they must spend, but they do not spend it all. They enjoy the many changes of life but appreciate times of tranquility and calm.
A Vāta type may take longer to settle, but there is lightness to be experienced in such a state, which is, at the same time, a very full experience. This sense of fullness is what Vāta types crave and what drives them to compulsive behaviour to try and satisfy this yearning. Addictions, obsessions and compulsions may lead the way to breakthroughs into a peaceful sense of completeness (Saturn) once the extremes of addictions (Rāhu) are experienced.
To understand more of the complexities of each of the humours, we can also see them in relation to each of their three states. These states are known in Sanskrit as Tamas, Rajas and Sattva, and are simply translated here as 'inert', 'agitated' and 'balanced'.
The 3 States of Vāta
When an inert nature is expressed in a Vāta type, there is fear present which may lead to phobias. Fear keeps us from experiencing life fully, but it also protects us from danger. This danger can all too often be in a Vāta type's mind, however, and have no bearing on the reality of a situation. These are the influences of both Saturn and Rāhu.
In a Vāta type, when an inert nature is expressed, there is a need to lift out of the sense of fear and to get moving. When this is achieved, there is a stage of agitation that a Vāta type finds themselves in for a large portion of their lives. Staying in this state is not possible for long periods of time, however, and eventually there is a breakdown into inertia once more. There can be a breakthrough into a more balanced, harmonious quality, although this is not generally achieved after a period of prolonged agitation.
It may appear that way on the surface of things, as with someone who is exhausted appearing to be at peace, but this state of exhaustion is not a balanced state of being, but a state of decay.
When Vāta is agitated, there can be an addictive quality to the high one achieves. This high is a false sense of vitality, which sooner or later crashes back down into inertia. If we find ourselves burning the candle at both ends, pushing through exhaustion, creating a false sense of vitality, we eventually exhaust ourselves. This leads us into a more inert state, which offers us a protective period against further threat. This is often experienced through illness. Fear of further repercussions keeps us from exerting ourselves even more, and even a Vāta type must slow down and take to the bed.
When Vāta types are balanced, they find themselves being more creative and enthusiastic. They know how much energy they must spend, but they do not spend it all. They enjoy the many changes of life but appreciate times of tranquility and calm.
A Vāta type may take longer to settle, but there is lightness to be experienced in such a state, which is, at the same time, a very full experience. This sense of fullness is what Vāta types crave and what drives them to compulsive behaviour to try and satisfy this yearning. Addictions, obsessions and compulsions may lead the way to breakthroughs into a peaceful sense of completeness (Saturn) once the extremes of addictions (Rāhu) are experienced.