The Yoga of the Three Modes of Nature
Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Krishna explains the three modes of material nature and how to transcend them.
Krishna explains the three Gunas (modes of nature) that influence all human behavior: Sattva (goodness/light), Rajas (passion/activity), and Tamas (ignorance/inertia). He teaches how to transcend these modes to achieve liberation.
Key Takeaways
- Sattva leads to wisdom, Rajas to greed/toil, Tamas to delusion
- Balanced living helps cultivate the mode of Goodness
- The goal is to go beyond the three modes and rest in the Self
Chapter 14 - The Yoga of the Three Modes of Nature
Common questions and insights about this chapter
The three gunas are: Sattva (goodness, harmony, knowledge), Rajas (passion, activity, desire), and Tamas (ignorance, inertia, darkness). These three qualities of material nature bind the soul to the material world and influence our thoughts, actions, and circumstances.
Sattva binds through attachment to happiness and knowledge, Rajas through attachment to action and results, and Tamas through negligence, laziness, and sleep. They determine our state of mind, behavior, and the quality of our experiences.
By developing pure devotion to Krishna, remaining equipoised in all situations, treating honor and dishonor equally, being unaffected by the gunas' influence, and engaging in constant devotional service. When one transcends the gunas, they attain the eternal nature of Brahman.
They remain undisturbed by the influence of the three modes, stand apart as a witness, are unshaken by them, remain equal in pleasure and pain, view a lump of earth and gold equally, and are balanced in honor and dishonor, praise and blame.
Chapter 14 Quiz
Progress through levels to deepen your wisdom