In Western science there are many observations made, and from those observations certain categories are formed (ex: categorization of the animal kingdom). The “yoga science”, or yoga philosophy system, also makes many observations and categorizations— one being the three different modes of material nature. These modes, or qualities (gunas), are broken down into three main categories: Goodness (sattvam), Passion (rajah), and Ignorance (tamah). Even certain foods and activities can be included into one of these categories.

Material nature consists of the three modes- goodness, passion, and ignorance. When the living entity comes in contact with nature, he becomes conditioned by these modes. (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Ch. 14:5)

 Below is a Brief Summary of Each Mode:

 Mode of Ignorance: A good example of the mode of ignorance is a dark, dimly lit bar. Drinking alcohol, and intoxicants are all in the mode of ignorance, because they cover our consciousness, just as darkness covers light. It is the opposite of becoming aware. The root word of ignorance is “Ignore”. We ignore the harm and consequences of our actions. “Ignorance is bliss” is an accurate way to describe this mode! Mushrooms, garlic, onions, intoxicants and eating meat are all in the mode of ignorance.

Mode of Passion: The city is a good example of a place in the mode of passion. Having lots of desires, and hankering for material enjoyment is in the mode of passion. Hankering for honor, a beautiful wife, a house, and children are all in this mode. Being super attached to the fruits of our work is also in this mode. Works done in the mode of passion bring about a lot of distress.  Spicy foods are in the mode of passion.

 Mode of Goodness:  People in the mode of goodness have attained some advancement in material knowledge and are not so affected by material miseries. However, they are still attached to “material happiness.”A good example of the mode of goodness is somewhere rural, out in nature. Activities can include sewing, reading (depends on the book!), surfing, cleaning, and “maintenance”. Eating a plant-based diet is in the mode of goodness. This mode is the ideal platform to begin spiritual practices.

 You, the soul, has nothing to do with the modes of material nature, just as much as you have nothing to do with your temporary material body; however, because you are wearing a material body ATM, you fall under the spell of the three material modes of nature. We are always transitioning from one mode to the next. For example, you may live out on a beautiful farm, in a rural area. If you are not utilizing your time to engage in spiritual activities and uplifting your consciousness, then you may get board. You end up inviting a few friends over, and you have a drinking party! Thus, you fall back into the mode of ignorance. Or you could get board and long to live in a city where there is more mode of passion. You move to the city, and you start to feel the affects of distress, and you wish to move back to the rural area where it is more peaceful. As you can see, you keep cycling from one mode to the next. However, if we engage in spiritual activities starting from the platform of the mode of goodness, we can eventual transcend the three modes through the process of spiritual purification and attain pure goodness or  what is called the vasudev state.