Glossary · Philosophy
Sattva
सत्त्व
What does Sattva mean?
Sattva is the most refined of the three gunas. When it predominates, the mind is calm, discrimination is sharp, and a person is drawn to truth, cleanliness, and self-discipline. Sattvic food, work, and charity are described in Chapters 17 and 18.
Yet even sattva binds — through attachment to happiness and knowledge. The Gita's final aim is to rise above all three gunas, not merely to cultivate the best one.