As a working professional and yoga practitioner, I have often wondered about the practical application of yoga principles in everyday life. A couple of days back, the question of the applicability of the “Trigunas”, namely Tamas, Rajas and Sattva, to Networking, which any successful or aspiring professional needs to master.
So, to gain clarity, I put pen to paper to get all my thoughts down, and this is what I came up with.
In today’s hyperconnected world, networking is often touted as a cornerstone of personal and professional success. It’s how careers are built, businesses grow, and opportunities manifest. But how often do we pause and reflect: why are we networking? What is the quality of our intent and the energy we bring to our interactions?
Indian spirituality offers a profound framework for such reflection—the concept of Triguna, the three Gunas: Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva. These are fundamental attributes that define the nature of everything in the universe, including our thoughts, actions, and even our social engagements.
The progression from inertia (Tamas) to driven action (Rajas) to selfless action (Sattva) is the outlined progression of the human being.
Let us explore networking through this spiritual lens.
1. Tamasik Networking: Born of Ignorance and Inertia
Nature of Tamas
Tamas is the Guna of darkness, ignorance, inertia, and delusion. It manifests as laziness, confusion, and apathy, and is often driven by fear or attachment.
What Tamasik Networking Looks Like
- Manipulative intent: Engaging with others only for selfish gain, often using deceit or flattery.
- Inaction masquerading as connection: Attending events without genuine interaction, collecting business cards without follow-up.
- Toxic dependence: Networking out of insecurity, forming ties to cling onto powerful figures, hoping they will fix one’s life or career.
- Disconnection from purpose: Associating with people without clarity of values or goals, leading to a feeling of purposelessness.
Consequences
- Leads to shallow relationships
- Generates distrust and confusion
- Often backfires, as others sense the lack of integrity
Example: A person who shows up at every social gathering only to take selfies with celebrities or influential people, without ever having a meaningful conversation or offering anything of value.
2. Rajasik Networking: Driven by Passion and Ambition
Nature of Rajas
Rajas is characterised by activity, desire, restlessness, and ego. It propels movement, but is often unbalanced, focusing on results and external validation.
What Rajasik Networking Looks Like
- Transactional relationships: “What can I get from this person?” is the underlying motive.
- Over-engagement: Attending every seminar, workshop, or LinkedIn live session, trying to be seen and heard everywhere.
- Image over substance: Focused on building a persona rather than genuine connections.
- Success-driven: Networking becomes a tool for climbing the social or corporate ladder.
Consequences
- May lead to short-term gains
- Can cause burnout, ego inflation, or feelings of isolation
- Relationships formed are conditional and prone to collapse under pressure
Example: A startup founder who constantly chases investors and influencers, adjusting their values to fit each new interaction, ultimately losing a sense of self.
3. Sattvik Networking: Rooted in Wisdom and Purpose
Nature of Sattva
Sattva is the Guna of harmony, purity, balance, and illumination. It brings clarity, compassion, and depth to our actions and interactions.
What Sattvik Networking Looks Like
- Service-oriented: One networks to uplift others, share knowledge, and co-create meaningful outcomes.
- Values-aligned: One is clear about one’s principles and seeks associations with those who resonate with similar ideals.
- Long-term cultivation: Relationships are built slowly, with care, respect, and mutual growth in mind.
- Authentic presence: There is no need to impress—just to be present, listen, and add value.
Consequences
- Results in deep, lasting, and fulfilling connections
- Builds mutual trust, collaboration, and spiritual growth
- Aligns networking with one’s dharma (purpose)
Example: A teacher who mentors younger professionals not for gain, but out of a desire to share and uplift, eventually creating a strong, values-based network.
How to Cultivate Sattvik Networking
- Introspect on Intent: Before attending an event or reaching out to someone, ask: Is this coming from fear, ambition, or a desire to serve?
- Be Present: Listen more than you speak. Observe others’ energy. Let connections form naturally.
- Add Value: Share something helpful without expectation. It may be a resource, a kind word, or simply your time.
- Nurture Relationships: Follow up sincerely, not mechanically. Celebrate others’ successes. Be there in their lows.
- Detach from Outcomes: The right connections will grow when energy is aligned. Trust the process.
Conclusion: The Inner Quality Shapes the Outer Result
In the spiritual journey, it is said that “as within, so without.” Networking, like any activity, is a mirror of our inner state. If our mind is clouded by tamas or stirred by rajas, our connections will reflect that. But when our inner life is governed by sattva—when we act from clarity, compassion, and dharma—then even a small interaction can lead to profound outcomes.
Let us transform networking from a mere career tool to a spiritual practice—a sacred exchange of energy that uplifts both self and others.
