The three basic qualities of nature that determine the inherent characteristics of all created things. They are sattva (purity, light, harmony, intelligence); rajas (activity, passion); and tamas (dullness, inertia, ignorance).

Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas (RRV-Inner meaning), three characteristics determine the human behaviour: sathwic, rajasic, thamasic, types of behaviour, groups of qualities, bundles of attributes, (BV-33), ( BV-36).

the three modes of material nature, or controlling principles, sattva-guna (goodness), rajo-guna (passion), and tamo-guna (ignorance).

the 3 aspects or qualities of the manifest Godhead and of Prakriti. Sattva being the force of truth, harmony, purity. Rajas is the tendency towards power, desire and energy. Tamas, the inclination towards inertia and stagnation. When the Gunas were in disequilibria, the godhead manifested the known universe