# The three modes of material nature *The material world operates through three fundamental influences: goodness (sattva), passion (rajas), and ignorance (tamas). These guṇas bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death, but one who engages in pure devotional service transcends their influence entirely.* ## Three Modes Condition the Living Entity ![[bg/14/5]] ![[bg/3/27]] ## Goodness Brings Knowledge and Happiness ![[bg/14/6]] ![[bg/14/11]] ![[bg/14/17]] ## Passion Creates Greed and Attachment ![[bg/14/7]] ![[bg/14/12]] ## Ignorance Leads to Delusion and Inertia ![[bg/14/8]] ![[bg/14/13]] ## The Modes Determine One's Faith and Worship ![[bg/17/2]] ![[bg/17/3]] ![[bg/17/4]] ## Devotional Service Transcends the Three Modes ![[bg/14/26]] ![[bg/7/14]] ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/The principal demigods|The principal demigods]] — Who control the modes - [[wiki/articles/Lord Brahma the creator|Lord Brahma the creator]] — Mode of passion - [[wiki/articles/Lord Shiva the great devotee|Lord Shiva the great devotee]] — Mode of ignorance ## From the Index - [[index/entries/modes-of-material-nature|Modes of Material Nature]] — The three guṇas - [[index/entries/goodness|Goodness]] — Sattva-guṇa - [[index/entries/passion-mode-of|Passion]] — Rajo-guṇa - [[index/entries/ignorance|Ignorance]] — Tamo-guṇa