Effects (Binding-force) of each of the modes upon the conditioned souls
aThree types of conditioned living entites — happy, active, helpless (14.6)
bRepresentative type of “Goodness” — Brahmana (14.6)
cThe best examples for Goodness — Scientist, Philosopher and Poet (14.6)
Sense of advanced happiness binds them and keeps them in repeated birth and death
Feel a sort of material happiness because of improved living conditions
What causes the sense of happiness – because one is more or less free from sinful reactions
Destiny – no likelihood of liberation
dPassion binds by the ropes of “Desire” and “Attachment” (14.7*)
Characteristic type – Attraction between man and woman
“Advancement of modern civilization” – Is considered in the mode of passion (Formerly “advanced condition” was considered to be in the mode of goodness)
Some “Products of mode of passion”
Hankering for material enjoyment and sense gratification
Wants honour in society, nation etc.
Wants happy family with wife, house, children etc.
To construct a residence for sense gratification – One works hard for a palatial house as if it is eternal (14.12)
Thus bound by “Fruits of work”
Destiny – No chance of liberation FOCUS OF LEARNING: PURPORTS 14.6 – 14.8 continued…
“Tu” (But) – implies this mode is a very particular qualification of embodied soul. It is just the opposite of the mode of goodness (This is the difference from mode of goodness)
Destiny – no advancement but one becomes degraded
Definition of ‘Mode of ignorance’ in the Vedic literatures – Under the spell of ignorance one cannot under a thing as it is. This is manifested as follows:
Madness: Everyone is dying, but people are madly accumulating money and not caring for the eternal spirit
Lazy: Not Interested when invited to associate for spiritual understanding
Sleep: Six hours is sufficient, but in ignorance
One sleeps 10 – 12 hours per day
Addicted to intoxicants and sleeping SUMMARIZED THEME 14A WORKINGS OF THE THREE MODES Mode Binding force Characteristics and Destination at Results of action (14.6 – 14.8) manifestations death (14.16 – 14.18) (14.11 – 14.23) (14.14 – 14.15) Goodness Sense of: 1. Illuminates the Attains the 1. Pure
1Happiness gates of the body pure, higher 2. Knowledge (sees
2Satisfaction with knowledge planets of the things as they are)
3Knowledge 2. Frees one from great sages 3. Elevation to higher
4Superiority sinful reactions planets like Brahmaloka or Janaloka Passion 1. Attachment to 1. Intense, unlimited Attains earthly 1. Misery fruitive activities desires and longings planets 2. Greed
2Binds by the 2. Great attachment 3. Earthly planets ropes of desire 3. Fruitive activities and attachment Ignorance 1. Madness 1. Delusion/ illusion Birth in lower 1. Foolishness
2Indolence 2. Darkness species 2. Madness (Laziness) 3. Madness 3. Illusion
3Sleep 4. Inertia 4. Life in hellish worlds
Summarised theme 14b obstacles presented by the modes a) goodness
No impetus to take up spiritual life. Why?
Because you’re too happy and satisfied to do what Krsna says
Have sense of superiority
I already know (have knowledge) B) PASSION
Can’t give up the fruits – Why?
Because wants to fulfill unlimited desires
Thus becomes very attached
Often willing to sin to fulfill desires
Thus cannot take up Bhakti with determination C) IGNORANCE
Too deluded to recognize Krishna’s instructions
Too lazy to perform austerities