3.1 Guard me from the spell of the progress that increases distress

rajas tamo guṇe erā 

sabāi ācchanna

By rajas and tamas in formidable might,

All here are covered in illusion’s night.

My dear Lord, Srila Prabhupada’s devotion is founded on deep scriptural erudition: he sees America not as a land filled with majestic architecture, impressive technology, or dazzling prosperity, but as a land dominated by the lower modes of material nature—those subtle forces that shape the interaction between matter and consciousness. He sees especially the modes of passion and ignorance, which are dangerously misleading and entangling. Despite America’s many claims to progress, he perceives growing distress—evident in the alarming rise of psychological and social disintegration across much of Western society.

O all-seeing Lord, the mode of passion fills me with infatuation, which lasts as long as I believe that material pleasure is both attainable and enjoyable. But when that hope fades—when pleasure becomes unavailable or unfulfilling—the mode of ignorance drags me into dejection and depression. And thus, I miss the precious window for introspection and spiritual redirection.

O merciful Lord, it is only when saints like Śrīla Prabhupada enter my life that I can recognize that window—and, by their mercy, turn it into a doorway to devotional flourishing. Bless me with the strength to first free myself from the shackles of these modes—and then to assist Srila Prabhupada and his followers in freeing others as well.