The Importance of Understanding the Three Modes of Material Nature
Introduction to Goodness Passion and Ignorance
One day I took my son to see Kevin Costner and Clint Eastwood in A PERFECT DAY. I am convinced more than ever that the public is looking for a better way to understand themes in literature than can be appreciated using often unappreciated models of good vs. evil. At the end of the movie the sherif confesses that he is totally confused about what is right or wrong. The non-dualistic model of material nature consisting of GOODNESS, PASSION, and IGNORANCE facilitates a far more comprehensive and comprehensible appreciation of characters fates and motives as depicted in literature and life. And the stalemated controversies of morality vs. freedom of expression can be transcended by this approach.
Basically, knowledge in the mode of goodness enables on to appreciate the unity of all things and the presence of one Universal Being existing amidst all separated beings; we are all finite expansions of infinite goodness. Knowledge in passion recognizes separated beings, and views the self to be one with the body. Ignorance closes ones eyes to consciousness, both within and without. Goodness produces enduring happiness; passion creates transient pleasures; and ignorance is grief. There is much that eludes us. Let's compare the concept of Good and Evil to a black and white television set. We recognize the figures, we know what color the grass probably is, but we don't actually see it. When we look at a color set we see mixtures of red, yellow and green. The world looks more real. When we see the brown grass, we understand at once why the cows are so thin.
Goodness, passion, and ignorance was discussed by Socrates in THE REPUBLIC. SOCRATES He compared them to gold, silver, and iron. And the Vedas of India also talk of them. When people are able to understand the nature of these three material qualities, they can better understand life and all it's complexities; they are able to reach beyond good and evil. For example, a thief ignores the property rights of others when he steels. That is ignorance. And he sees that other thieves sooner or later have suffered, but he ignores this knowledge too. He thinks only of his passion to own what was not meant for him. He may get temporary pleasure from the booty he purloins, but he will not get happiness from it.
The Mode of Ignorance (as we use it here) is not the same as innocence or a lack of information. It is more akin to foolishness, close-mindedness, pettiness, or bigotry. Ignorance results in madness, indolence (sloth or laziness), confusion, misery, or hatred, etc. Activities performed in Ignorance produce little or no pleasure and no lasting happiness.
The Mode of Passion is generally well recognized. Passion is characterized by great longing or desire, intensive endeavor, sensuality and sense gratification, egotism, pride, possessiveness, power, etc. Passion which is satisfied produces immediate but transient pleasure. Passion which is frustrated may result in anger and ignorance.
The Mode of Goodness is purer than the rest. Goodness enables one to appreciate the higher values of life: spirituality, justice, peace, love, etc. When one's mind is influenced by goodness, he/she is able perceive the oneness and harmony of God, Consciousness, and all people and living things. Sympathy, charity, compassion, tolerance, patience, self control, education, religiosity, love of God and enlightenment are all sustained by Goodness. The result of Goodness is lasting happiness.