Tama is characterised by illusion, Raja incites men to action, Sattva is of great splendour and therefore it is called the greatest of them all.
मोहात्मकं तमस्तेषां रज एषां प्रवर्तकम्। प्रकाशबहुलत्वाच्च सत्त्वं ज्याय इहोच्यते॥