One of the Bhagavad-gita’s most intriguing teachings centers on the modes of material nature (gunas). The modes are threefold: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion) and tamas (ignorance). To better understand the modes, let’s consider two ways the Gita refers to them.
As building blocks of material reality: The Gita (07.14) states that the mighty illusory energy is made of the modes. To understand this conception of the modes, we can compare them to the pixels on a TV screen. Though we may watch TV movies with many intricate scenes and sequences, all that is actually present on the screen are rapidly changing pixels. And pixels are just color dots. Pixels come in only three basic colors: RGB (Red Green Blue). Similarly, everything we encounter with our senses, ranging from beasts to beauty queens, is ultimately a product of the three modes
As ropes that bind us to material reality: The Gita (14.05) states that everyone is bound by the three modes. In this conception, the modes are subtle forces that shape the interaction between consciousness and matter. They shape all the three ways in which we interact with material objects: perceiving, processing and pursuing. Perceiving refers to the data we take in through our knowledge-acquiring senses. Processing refers to the analysis of those perceptions that goes on in our mind-intelligence machinery. Pursuing refers to the steps we take using our action senses, to respond to our perceptions. By shaping these three forms of interaction, the modes affect all our choices and behaviors. Though we can choose among the modes, that choice is also affected by how strongly which mode is influencing us at that time (14.10). Indeed, the modes are akin to invisible ropes that make us dance like puppets.
One-sentence summary:
The modes are pervasive — they build up the material reality that we function in and shape the way we function in that reality.
Think it over:
- What is the role of the modes in the material reality within which we function?
- What are the three ways we interact with material reality?
- How are the modes like ropes?
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14.05: Material nature consists of three modes – goodness, passion and ignorance. When the eternal living entity comes in contact with nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna, he becomes conditioned by these modes.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
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