Learn what the basic concept of leisure is in yoga philosophy. It is an active leisure for the activities necessary for your daily life. The concept of leisure is not just about the spirit of yoga philosophy, it is also about the joy and fruitfulness in daily life.

1. What is the Concept of Leisure in Yoga Philosophy?
People consider leisure as an essential pillar needed for a fruitful and joyful life.
Leisure time we often spend engaging in simple activities that help to unwind
and relax us. The importance of leisure becomes very crucial in the household
life of a person. According to Hindu philosophy which is the backbone of yoga
philosophy, human life can be divided in to four phases. They are
brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha and sannyasa.
Brahmacharya: Life of a person up to the age of 25 can be considered as the
stage of brahmacharya. This period in a man’s life is often used for studying
different subjects and skills needed for leading the rest of his life. During this
period the person remains single and unmarried.
Grihasta: The life of a person during his age from 25 to 50 is considered as his
grihastha period. During this period he gets employed, gets married and starts
building his house and lives family life with his wife and children. During this
period he earns money and acquires worldly possessions which are to be handed
over to the generations to follow.
Vanaprastha: The age after 50 is considered as the starting point of vanaprastha
which is the period in which a person hands over his household responsibility
and starts leading a spiritual life. During this period the person takes up an
advisory role.
Sanyasa: This is the last stage in a person’s life where the renunciation of his
material desire takes place. This stage commences after the culmination of the
grihastha stage. At this stage the person experiences disinterest and
detachment from material life. People become ascetic and start concentrating
on attaining moksha (heaven).
Three Gunas
Meaning of the Sanskrit word guna is quality. Everything in nature is considered
to be governed by these three gunas. The three qualities are sattva, rajas and
tamas.
Sattva: Sattva means purity. Sattva is the guna related to good qualities in a
human like purity, contentment, joy, faith, compassion, forgiveness, non-
violence, courage, respect, truth etc.

2. Rajas: Rajas means manipulation. Rajas is the guna related to milder emotions
like ego, anger, greed, arrogance, desire, jealousy, malice, false speech,
cleverness, etc.
Tamas: Tamas means darkness. Tamas is the guna related to severe and dark
emotions like hatred, violence, lack of faith, ignorance, lying, cheating,
discrimination, crookedness, senselessness, etc.
Leisure activities related to different gunas
One can keep himself engaged in useful leisure activities that support yoga and
its aims only by understanding the extent of his various gunas. Let study what
are the leisure activities that naturally suit each type of gunas.
Sattvic Leisure: Leisure activity related to sattvic guna has to be moderate in
strength and spiritual in nature. These activities are often connected to oneself
or to others. It has to be creative and fruitful too. Examples of sattvic leisure
activities are playing music, painting pictures, writing poetry, etc.
Rajasic Leisure: Rajasic leisure activities are often competitive and external in
nature. It affects one’s ego and derives sensual gratification as the end result of
the leisure activity. Examples of rajasic leisure activities are engaging in
competitive activities like taking part in a race or playing cricket etc.
Tamasic Leisure: Tamasic Leisure activities often tend to be addictive in nature.
It is extreme in strength and therefore can be destructive too. It usually ends in
disturbing one’s balance in his everyday life. Examples of tamasic leisure
activities are gambling, watching videos or movies, etc.