# The nature of ignorance *Ignorance (avidya) is the root cause of material bondage. It manifests primarily as forgetfulness of one's spiritual identity and relationship with Krishna. Under the influence of ignorance, the living entity identifies with the temporary body, pursues sense gratification, and remains trapped in the cycle of birth and death. The darkness of ignorance can only be dispelled by the light of transcendental knowledge received through the bona fide spiritual master.* ## Ignorance Is Forgetfulness of One's True Identity ![[sb/2/2/1]] ![[sb/7/7/19]] ## Ignorance Causes Bodily Identification ![[bg/3/29]] ![[sb/7/2/60]] ## Ignorance Leads to Suffering ![[bg/5/14]] ![[sb/4/24/75]] ## Ignorance Is Dispelled by Transcendental Knowledge ![[bg/4/42]] ![[bg/5/16]] ## Lord Caitanya Dispels Ignorance ![[cc/adi/2/1]] ![[cc/adi/1/95]] ## Devotional Service Removes Ignorance ![[sb/7/7/36]] ![[sb/1/5/27]] ## From the Index - [[index/entries/ignorance|Ignorance]] — Root of bondage - [[index/entries/illusion|Illusion]] — The covering of knowledge - [[index/entries/bodily-concept-of-life|Bodily Concept]] — Result of ignorance