Q129. What are the three modes of material nature?

One is always forced to act in one of three modes of material nature, goodness, passion and ignorance. These modes compete in exerting their influence upon us. “Goodness, passion, and ignorance are the three modes of material nature. The qualities developed by a person are based on these three modes." (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 14.5) The Mode of Goodness - A person in the mode of goodness is free from all sinful reactions and is in a condition of happiness and knowledge. One who dies in the mode of goodness attains the higher planets. “The mode of goodness is purity. This mode illuminates and frees one from sinful reactions. Those situated in this mode become inclined to happiness, spiritual knowledge, and pure thoughts.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 14.6) The Mode of Passion - A person in the mode of passion is plagued by unlimited desires for material enjoyment, greed and lust (especially sexual pleasures). To satisfy these desires, one is always forced to engage in hard work that binds the person to sinful reactions, resulting in misery. A person in this mode is never satisfied with the position already acquired. One who dies in the mode of passion, takes birth again on planets like Earth among persons who are full of desires, greed, and lust. “The mode of passion is intense craving for sense gratification. This mode creates desires and lust. Those situated in this mode become bound to materialistic activities." (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 14.7) The Mode of Ignorance - A person in the mode of ignorance is in delusion. It fosters laziness, foolishness and madness. One who dies in the mode of ignorance takes birth in the animal kingdom or on the hellish planets. “The mode of ignorance is darkness or delusion. This mode creates carelessness, madness, and laziness. Those situated in this mode become degraded." (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 14.8) By understanding that the three modes are active and not you (the soul) and by realizing that you are separate from the modes of nature, the influence of material nature on you will gradually diminish.