"Guna" is a fundamental concept from the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and wider Sanskrit literature that centers on the qualities or attributes that influence human behavior, thoughts, and actions. The context of Guna throughout these texts is largely in relation to the Indian philosophy of Sankhya, where these qualities are understood as the key triggers behind the drama of creation or Prakriti - the natural world. In Bhagavad Gita, a part of the epic Mahabharata, Guna is categorized into three types: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.

Sattva Guna represents purity, knowledge, and harmony. It is the principle of enlightenment and is characterized by peace, wisdom, and joy. People under the influence of Sattva are perceived as kind, wise, and controlled in their thoughts and actions, seeking knowledge and illumination above everything else.

Rajas Guna represents passion, desire, and activity. It is the principle of motion and action and is symbolized by the aspects of desire, ambition, and unrest. Those governed by Rajas are observed as dynamic, ambitious, passionate, and often restless, in their drive to achieve their materialistic goals.

Tamas Guna, on the other hand, represents inertia, darkness, and ignorance. It is the principle of resistance or inertia and is often characterized by laziness, delusion, and confusion. People under Tamas' influence are seen as lethargic, ignorant, and prone to negative emotions like anger and greed.

These Gunas are not rigidly bound to individuals; instead, they constantly interact and influence each other in varying degrees, resulting in diverse human behaviors. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes that no one is entirely free from these three Gunas; they are inherent in all beings born into the material world. The ultimate aim, as proposed by the Gita, is to rise above these material Gunas and attain a state of pure spiritual awareness, or Moksha. To do this, one must understand, control, and eventually transcend these qualities through self-realization and spiritual discipline.

In summary, Guna can be understood as a concept that offers a nuanced understanding of human psychology, proposing a connection between innate qualities and human behavior as depicted in Sanskrit literature and sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita.