On the different gunas

Q: Are Prakriti, Nature and the gunas quite different things? If so, why do we see them always mixed?

Prakriti and Nature are the same thing – the gunas are modes or processes of Nature (Prakriti).

Q: Do impulses or passions such as killing or fighting come from a push of Rajoguna or Tamoguna?

Both together – for it is made up of tamasic obscurity and rajasic wrong impulse.

Q: Can a purely sattwic man become very angry or passionate?

No – he can only be firm or severe when severity is needed.

Q: Are depression, despair and fear reactions of tamas or rajas?

Tamas.

– Sri Aurobindo