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 Pitta
When Pitta types find themselves in a more inert space, there can be a need to control and dominate due to fear of losing control. This quality of fire may be taken to the extremes and may even result in physical violence. There comes a need to move through anger and frustration. From this intense, blinding anger, a stage of irritability can be reached. This agitated quality of fire needs to be moved through to reach a more balanced state of clarity. This is the higher expression of fire, as reflected in the Sun's illumination.
Agitated Pitta can be expressed by moving stuck, inert energy outward, just as Mars represents our need to externalize. This allows for the energy to lift. Once the energy gets moving, one can enter a more balanced state.
When a Pitta type moves into an agitated phase, there can be a lot of ambition to be dealt with and to let go of. It is sometimes one of the hardest things for a Pitta type to do, but when they learn to let go and allow life to just happen, the joy that awaits them is warm and inviting. Otherwise, the intense heat of toxic fire can burn an individual out eventually.
Pitta is expressed at a stage of balance as an illuminating state of being, creating true perception – where all those 'aha' moments are found. After the blinding anger and intense drive forward have subsided, clarity can result.
When Pitta types are in balance, they are passionate and joyous beings, allowing life to just happen, and yet they are able to motivate and inspire others to reach beyond where they currently find themselves.
At its best, Mars represents the courage to change what we can, and need to, change, while the Sun expresses a higher wisdom and strength that does not need any displays of bravado to feel strong and secure.
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 Pitta
When Pitta types find themselves in a more inert space, there can be a need to control and dominate due to fear of losing control. This quality of fire may be taken to the extremes and may even result in physical violence. There comes a need to move through anger and frustration. From this intense, blinding anger, a stage of irritability can be reached. This agitated quality of fire needs to be moved through to reach a more balanced state of clarity. This is the higher expression of fire, as reflected in the Sun's illumination.
Agitated Pitta can be expressed by moving stuck, inert energy outward, just as Mars represents our need to externalize. This allows for the energy to lift. Once the energy gets moving, one can enter a more balanced state.
When a Pitta type moves into an agitated phase, there can be a lot of ambition to be dealt with and to let go of. It is sometimes one of the hardest things for a Pitta type to do, but when they learn to let go and allow life to just happen, the joy that awaits them is warm and inviting. Otherwise, the intense heat of toxic fire can burn an individual out eventually.
Pitta is expressed at a stage of balance as an illuminating state of being, creating true perception – where all those 'aha' moments are found. After the blinding anger and intense drive forward have subsided, clarity can result.
When Pitta types are in balance, they are passionate and joyous beings, allowing life to just happen, and yet they are able to motivate and inspire others to reach beyond where they currently find themselves.
At its best, Mars represents the courage to change what we can, and need to, change, while the Sun expresses a higher wisdom and strength that does not need any displays of bravado to feel strong and secure.
