14/T.R.A.P

THE THREE MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE

In Chapter Fourteen, Krishna introduces a paradigm-shifting concept known as the “Three modes of material nature.” These three fundamental energies colour everything we see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. The modes also pervade our lifestyle, attitude and behaviours, thus determining our sense of happiness and well-being in life. People's desires and decisions are actually impelled and influenced by these three modes at every moment, yet they function with a mistaken sense of free will and independence. Krishna teaches Arjuna that, unless one is able to transcend these modes of nature, they imperceptibly trap one in this material world, life after life.

T

'Mode' is a translation of the sanskrit word guna, which literally means 'rope'. The three modes influence a person’s character, behaviour and mentality, thus binding them to a certain quality of life. For example, if Goodness (sattva) predominates, one will aspire for (and generally achieve) long-term happiness even if one is subjected to temporary inconvenience. The person impelled by Passion (rajas) strives for instantaneous short-term gain and doesn’t expect much more out of life. Finally, the person dominated by Ignorance (tamas) rarely achieves happiness at all, overcome by laziness and lethargy and lacking any real direction and drive in their life. The material world is thus populated by living entities who are influenced by various configurations of these modes.

R

Just as three primary colours are mixed to generate unlimited variations, combinations of the three modes can form an unlimited variety of individual personalities and psychologies. Furthermore, the modes are dynamic and continually compete with one another for supremacy within an individual. Even within the cycle of a single day, different modes may achieve prominence at different times. As a general rule, Goodness clarifies and pacifies the individual, since it invokes satisfaction, wisdom, altruism and kindness. Passion is said to confuse and agitate the individual by provoking qualities like greed, anger and frustration. Ignorance is said to obscure and impede one’s life, symptomised by apathy, depression and inertia.

A

Reincarnation is the process by which a soul receives a new material body on the basis of activities performed and consciousness cultivated in the present body. Our activities are a result of the decisions we make, and our decisions are ultimately impelled by the modes we are influenced by. The future destination of an individual can therefore be predicted based on the predominant mode in their life. In short, those situated in Goodness are promoted to higher planets, those in Passion remain on the earthly planets and those in Ignorance degrade themselves to the hellish worlds. The effects of these actions can be felt even in this life.

P

These various descriptions allow us to decipher the combination of modes we are personally affected by. Although Goodness is said to be the purest form of existence in this world, and in many ways beneficial for spiritual practice, it still implicates one in a network of karma. To completely rid oneself of karmic reactions, the spiritualist should use Goodness as a springboard to elevate themselves to the spiritual platform, known as pure goodness or suddha-sattva. This is possible by engaging in bhakti-yoga with unflinching determination, taking inspiration and support from those who have already transcended the three material modes. Krishna explains the shining character of such a perfected transcendentalist, who enjoys nectar even in this life.

"WE BECOME AVERAGE WHEN WE ARE TOO BUSY, TOO ARROGANT OR TOO COMFORTABLE TO KEEP LEARNING, GROWING, AND IMPROVING." ~ UNKNOWN