Dynamics of Mind in Samkhya Yoga

To understand the philosophy of mind management in yoga; it’s highly important to know the dynamics of samkhya; one of the oldest philosophical systems.
The core dynamics of samkhya psychology is based on the theory of the gunas. The sanskrit word guna means qualities. There are three gunas each representing the qualities which govern the nature on macro as well as micro dimensions. Three gunas sattva (quality of effulgence), rajas (quality of transformation/movement/dynamism) and tamas (quality of maintaining status quo/staticity/passivity), are the essential principles which are the constituents of nature and are instrumental in differentiation. The entire theory of gunas is very relevant. One can relate it to day to day experiences every moment without failure. On the mental plane these three gunas create various tendencies which can be classified into positive and negative categories. And most importantly the permutations of gunas which constitute nature; can be harmonized; there come yogic practices, tools and principles. The various yogic tools physical and non physical help the individual to harness these subtle essential potencies of nature. All three gunas are contrary and yet complimentary to each other.
The nature known as prakriti refers to the state of absolute potential before any differentiation starts. Gunas are the substance and the forces of nature. When they are in a state of equilibrium there is absoluteness and state of non creation. Equilibrium means sattva transforms into sattva; rajas into rajas and tamas into tamas. Once the equilibrium is broken the process of differentiation is nature (prakriti; the creatrix) starts. Then the mutual permutations of the gunas start which starts evolution and differentiation in nature. These three principles of nature keep nature or manifest phenomenal reality always in flux. But despite these changes and transmutations and permutations the consciousness principle remains unchanged and immutable.
The experiences of reality and change are only a reflection of transformation happening on the plane of prakriti. Pure awareness as purusha is always detached and immutable. The change or flux is recognized with the involvement of other evolutes of prakriti such as mahat (higher mind) and ahamkara (principle of individuation).
Samkhya holds the theory that creation is the result of interplay between sentient and non sentient principles. Purusha is the sentient principle or pure consciousness and prakriti the non sentient principle or creatrix of matter.
These two are the bipolar potencies of creation. All changes and transitions lie within the domain of prakriti and purusha is witnessing pure awareness.
The system of classical yoga is based on the metaphysical background of samkhya. When an experience in prakriti is actualized through the agencies of individuation then we identify with it then this results in individualised spectrum of experiences. And the nature of experience is very much colored by the predominance of guna at that time in the individual. Sattva brings clarity and quality of pure reflection or witnessing the event with non attachment in our individual processing of an experience whereas rajas may bring forth the experience of agitations, stimulations, excitements, dynamism. Tamas is veiling force which clouds the perception of true reality and hence creates confusion, depression, attachment etc.
Yogic practices of Asana, pranayama, meditations help as to transform the predominance of gunas from tamas and rajas to more refined sattva. As a result one experiences clarity, balance, ability to be detached and hence maintain one’s equilibrium in life.