Characteristics of Mode of Goodness
Among the three modes of material nature, the mode of goodness (sattva-guṇa) is considered the purest. It is illuminating and frees one from all sinful reactions. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when a living entity is situated in this mode, they develop knowledge and a sense of happiness. Unlike the modes of passion and ignorance which lead to misery and delusion, the mode of goodness provides a peaceful platform from which one can see things as they are. However, even this elevated state is a form of conditioning that binds the soul to the material world.
Symptoms and Behavior
A person in the mode of goodness is characterized by wisdom and satisfaction. They are not disturbed by material miseries and have control over their mind and senses. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that such a person performs their duties without attachment to the results. They are often represented by the brāhmaṇa class in society—truthful, clean, and self-controlled. In this mode, all the gates of the body are illuminated by knowledge.
- A brahmana, characterized by the mode of goodness, is truthful and self-controlled. He controls his mind and senses, and he is very tolerant and simple.
- The manifestations of the mode of goodness can be experienced when all the gates of the body are illuminated by knowledge.
- A person in the mode of goodness is satisfied by his work or intellectual pursuit, just as a philosopher, scientist, or educator may be engaged in a particular field of knowledge and may be satisfied in that way.
Diet and Habits
The mode of goodness is strictly associated with specific types of food that promote health, strength, and longevity. These foods are described as juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart. Examples include milk products, sugar, rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables. Śrīla Prabhupāda contrasts these with the dry, burning foods of passion or the stale, putrid foods of ignorance. A person in goodness does not eat more than required and avoids intoxication and meat-eating.
- Foods in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one's existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such nourishing foods are sweet, juicy, fattening and palatable.
- Sattvika-ahara, foodstuffs in the mode of goodness, are described in the sastras as wheat, rice, vegetables, fruits, milk, sugar, and milk products.
Destination of the Soul
The destination of a soul acting in the mode of goodness is elevation. Bhagavad-gītā states that those established in sattva-guṇa go upward to the higher planetary systems, such as Brahmaloka or Janaloka, where life is long and full of delight. This is the result of pious activities. However, this elevation is temporary; once the pious credits are exhausted, one must return to the earthly plane.
- Those situated in the mode of goodness gradually go upward to the higher planets; those in the mode of passion live on the earthly planets; and those in the mode of ignorance go down to the hellish worlds.
- When one dies in the mode of goodness, he attains to the pure higher planets.
Golden Chain of Bondage
Despite its many benefits, the mode of goodness is still a material quality. Śrīla Prabhupāda compares it to a golden chain. A prisoner bound by gold is still a prisoner. The conditioning of the mode of goodness manifests as a sense of superiority—"I am wise," "I am happy." This attachment to knowledge and happiness binds the living entity to the cycle of birth and death. Philosophers and scientists often fall into this category, becoming proud of their knowledge while failing to realize the Absolute Truth.
- O sinless one, the mode of goodness, being purer than the others, is illuminating, and it frees one from all sinful reactions. Those situated in that mode develop knowledge, but they become conditioned by the concept of happiness.
- The difficulty here is that when a living entity is situated in the mode of goodness, he becomes conditioned to feel that he is advanced in knowledge and is better than others. In this way he becomes conditioned.
Transcending to Pure Goodness
The perfection of life is not merely to be good, but to be transcendental. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that one must rise above even the mode of goodness to the platform of śuddha-sattva (pure goodness), also known as the Vasudeva state. This is the spiritual platform where one understands Kṛṣṇa and engages in His devotional service. In pure goodness, there is no possibility of fall down or contamination by passion and ignorance.
- Although there are three modes of material nature, if one is determined, he can be blessed by the mode of goodness, and, by transcending the mode of goodness, he can be situated in pure goodness, which is called the vasudeva state.
- So even the modes of goodness, that is also a cause of our bondage. Therefore we have to transcend even the quality of goodness. Even the quality of goodness we have to transcend. That transcendental position is Krsna consciousness.
Conclusion
While the mode of goodness is the best platform in the material world—offering peace, knowledge, and health—it is not the final goal. It is a stepping stone. By taking to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one naturally develops all the good qualities of this mode but remains unattached to them, keeping their focus fixed on the Supreme Lord. This is the only way to achieve permanent liberation.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Mode of Goodness. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
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