The quality of inertia, heaviness and dullness. A little supports rest and sleep; too much leads to lethargy and lack of clarity.

Philosophy

Tamas

Tamasतमस्· TAH-musdarkness, inertia

Tamas is the guna of inertia, heaviness and dullness — the quality that brings rest but, in excess, stagnation and lethargy.

Some tamas is needed for sleep and stillness; too much clouds the mind. It is one of the three gunas alongside sattva and rajas.

Frequently asked questions

What is tamas?: The quality of inertia, heaviness and dullness. A little supports rest and sleep; too much leads to lethargy and lack of clarity.