Whatshot
Three Modes of Material Nature
Three Modes of Material Nature
The mode of goodness is pure, sinless and illuminated with knowledge. The affect it has is to condition the soul with a false sense of happiness in this world. Characterised by unlimited desires and longings the mode of passion conditions the soul to endeavor feverishly for material accomplishments and sensual enjoyment. The mode of ignorance binds the soul through sleep, laziness and madness. It is just the opposite of goodness and those in this condition are reluctant to try for any spiritual understanding.
To cultivate our innate pure consciousness is the essence of yoga, by which one gradually rises above the two lower modes and eventually transcends even the mode of goodness. Yoga means connection so when the individual soul is united with its source, the Supreme Soul, it rids itself of the influence of the three modes of material nature. As the Vedas state "when the mind is freed from the fuel of the modes of nature, the fire of material existence is extinguished."