Happiness is very elusive. The more we chase after it, the more it runs away from us. It is only when we forget about it in service to others that suddenly it chases after us.
Swami Sivamurti Saraswati

The pursuit of happiness is considered by many to be one of the main objectives of human life. Happiness is not something that can be understood universally, as there are different degrees of happiness according to one’s evolution. For example, for the sages’ happiness is achieved by overcoming the force of desire, whereas for the average person happiness is getting what one desires.

According to yoga, happiness is determined by the predominance of one or another of the three gunas or qualities of nature; tamas (inertia, stillness, darkness) rajas (creativity, dynamism, full ego involvement), sattwa (balance, harmony, luminosity). Our nature is a complex interplay of these three gunas, which rule the whole of the manifest world and the whole span of human life. They can be seen in the way we talk, act, behave, and express ourselves, our attitudes, and our interactions with others. These gunas, or psychic forces, also influence the chakras physically, psychically and spiritually.

Each chakra has these three gunas or qualities of nature within it. As we become more aware of the influence of the three gunas, we can observe their effect on the chakras and therefore, our lives, and make the necessary adjustments to our lifestyle.

The seminar looks at how the three gunas throw light on how we experience happiness, in relation to the chakras and what tools we need to use to keep the mind sattwic.