Table 1.

Characteristics and emergent properties of global states based on comparative neural platforms of Polyvagal Theory (PVT) and Gunas of yoga.

Global state	Neural platform	Guna	Emergent properties
Social engagement	VVC	Sattva	Safety, connection, clarity, eudaimonia, calmness, tranquility, equanimity
Play/Dance	VVC and SNS	Rajas with Sattva and Tamas	Activity, creativity, motivation, capacity for change
Fight or flight	SNS	Predominance of rajas	Fear, anger, greed
Intimacy	DVC with VVC	Tamas with Sattva and Rajas	Stability, form, restraint, social bonding
Shutdown/immobilization	DVC	Predominance of tamas	Obscuration, inertia, dullness, ignorance, delusion, dissociation