guna

[goon-uh]

noun

1. (in Sankhya and Vedantic philosophy) one of the three qualities of prakriti, or nature, which are passion rajas, dullness or inertia tamas, and goodness or purity sattva.

Word History and Origins

Origin of guna¹

First recorded in 1860–65, guna is from the Sanskrit word guṇa thread, quality

Example Sentences

There is silence, except for the swish of his broom across the floor of the small museum he runs documenting the life of his community in Panama, the Guna.

From BBC

When a Guna dies, they lie for a day in their hammock for family and friends to visit.

From BBC

In the state-of-the-art new school, students aged 12 and 13 are rehearsing Guna music and dances.

From BBC

He is lying in a hammock, and explains that as long as the hammock keeps its place in Guna culture, "the heart of the Guna people will be alive".

From BBC

Indigenous Guna families from the island of Gardi Sugdub ferried stoves, gas cylinders, mattresses and other belongings first in boats and then in trucks to the new community of Isberyala.

From Seattle Times