Swabhava

"Swabhaava" (स्वभाव) is a Sanskrit word meaning "one's inherent nature" or "natural disposition." In Indian philosophy, especially in Ayurveda, Yoga, and the Bhagavad Gita, swabhaava is seen as a crucial determinant of behavior, dharma, and personal tendencies.

Here are common types of Swabhaava, categorized across different systems:

  1. According to Gunas (from Sankhya/Yoga Philosophy):

Swabhaava is influenced by the three gunas:

Sattva (purity, balance) – Calm, wise, spiritual, harmonious.

Rajas (activity, passion) – Ambitious, restless, action-driven.

Tamas (inertia, darkness) – Lazy, ignorant, confused, delusional.

Every person has a mix of all three, but one tends to dominate and shapes their swabhaava.

  1. According to Ayurveda (Dosha-based Swabhaava):

Ayurveda identifies swabhaava based on prakriti (constitution):

Vata Swabhaava – Creative, fast-thinking, energetic but prone to anxiety.

Pitta Swabhaava – Intelligent, focused, ambitious but prone to anger.

Kapha Swabhaava – Calm, stable, compassionate but prone to lethargy.

  1. According to Bhagavad Gita (Karma and Dharma based):

In the Gita, swabhaava is aligned with varna (roles based on nature):

Brahmana Swabhaava – Knowledge-seeking, spiritual, teaching nature.

Kshatriya Swabhaava – Courageous, leadership, protectors.

Vaishya Swabhaava – Business-minded, trade and wealth creation.

Shudra Swabhaava – Service-oriented, supportive roles.

Krishna emphasizes following one's swabhaava as the path to inner peace and fulfillment.

  1. According to Psychology (Modern interpretation):

Swabhaava can also be understood in terms of personality types:

Introverted / Extroverted

Thinking / Feeling

Judging / Perceiving

Sanguine / Choleric / Melancholic / Phlegmatic (Greek temperament types)

Would you like to relate swabhaava to your Ayurvedic type, personality type, or dharmic role?