Prime Minister of India Appreciates ISKCON

We very much appreciate how the prime minister of India has so nicely glorified our ISKCON on the occasion our our 50th anniversary. His appreciation is posted below. We pray for that day when all of the political leaders all over the world will have this much appreciation of ISKCON.

Message from the Prime Minister of India

Message from the Prime Minister of India about ISKCON

Narendra Modi--Prime Minister of India



Narendra Modi--Prime Minister of India

Video For the Day: Living for the Welfare of All

Answers by Citing the Vedic Version

Question: How to Understand the Three Gunas (Modes)?

All glorification and obeisances are for you and your disciplic lineage. The subject matter of the three fundamental qualities, sattva, rajas and tamas, is an important element of Samkhya philosophy and it is one that the Bhagavad Gita makes extensive use of, particularly in its later chapters. Chapter 13 emphasizes the division between prakriti and purusha (matter and spirit), but it is in Chapter 14 that we find an extensive analysis of the way in which these three gunas (literally strands or qualities) influence and shape the lives of living beings. In Chapter 17 and verses 18-40 of Chapter 18, Krishna uses the gunas as a basis for his discussion of different facets of human life including such categories as food, charity, austerity, knowledge, action and pleasure. He thereby demonstrates how the gunas are influential in shaping different areas of human life and also human nature. Ultimately, however, one who seeks moksha must go beyond all three gunas, even sattva which represents purity and goodness. Verses 25 and 26 of Chapter 14 make it clear that one who seeks the highest goal must become gunatita, completely beyond the range of the gunas.

Can you share with me the 'Bhagavad Gita the As It Is' way of understanding the three gunas or point me to the relevant resources? I appreciate for your daily newsletter and guidance.

Your servant

Chuan

Answer: Strings That Make the Puppet Dance

There are two natures: the spiritual nature and the material nature. The material nature has three sub-divisions: the three modes of material nature. Just as a puppet is always under the control of strings, the living beings in the material nature are always being pulled this way and that way by these three types of influences. Sometimes one is under the influence of the mode of goodness and is in a peaceful mood. Sometimes he is under the mode of passion and is in an aggressive mode. Sometimes he is under the mode of ignorance and is in a depressed mood. These three modes are constantly shifting and are also overlapping each other. Therefore one is never able to remain in a steady state of consciousness. It is thus very confusing and bewildering to be under the influence of the material nature.

However, by coming to Krishna consciousness one is liberated from the influence of these three modes and enjoys an unbroken state of spiritual happiness within his heart.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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