How do the modes correlate with an analysis of the mind’s functioning?
Transcript
Disclaimer: This transcript was generated using AI and may contain occasional errors or inaccuracies.
So, how do we correlate the three modes with the analysis of how the mind works? Basically, the mind getting pulled, the mind getting pulled in particular directions is because of the three modes of material nature. Now, the modes do not act on the soul, the modes primarily act on the subtle body and that is how they pull. So, it is the focus of what it is that we are trying to understand.
Now, if we want to understand the interaction between the mind, intelligence and soul, then we use the framework that we use today. I talked about how the main screen, normally there are different links and in which we are going to choose, whether I choose this link or I keep on the main page what I want to read. Now, which links, which links pop up on the screen, which links become more prominent, that is what is determined by the mind.
So, say I am studying Shastra and if at that time the mode of action starts becoming prominent, then my whole study of Shastra will be for the purpose, you know, next time when I meet someone, what can I quote by which I can impress someone. I am studying Shastra, but my motive is not really to connect with Krishna. It is not only to deepen my understanding, it is to impress others.
So, even when I am reading, this point, this point, this point, sometimes some people hear class also, they sit in the class primarily to be entertained. Sometimes we unconsciously use the laughter test to judge how good a class is. How many jokes are there in the class? A lot of jokes are very good class.
It is good to have jokes, but we are not here to primarily be entertained. We want to be educated, we want to be uplifted, we want to be purified by Krishna. So, in the mode of passion, we may study scripture itself, but in the study of scripture, what we focus on, that will be determined by the modes.
Or while studying scripture also we get distracted. If you are in the mode of ignorance, you will feel, you know, if at that time you are in the mode of passion, you know, I have to do this, this, this, this, you know, how long can I study, you know, literally I will study. So, the kind of, so, if I am reading one page, the kind of links that pop up and that allure me, they will be shaped by the modes.
If I am in the mode of passion, and then the mode of ignorance comes, becomes permanent, then I am running around doing this, I am doing that, I am doing that, that thought comes in. If you give in to that thought, the mode of ignorance will take control of us. So, while we are going through our normal course of life, the mind uses various distracting options.
So, which options the mind distracts us with, that is determined by the modes, which are currently influencing us at that time. Prabhuji, you know, I just said that eventually one should rise to the mode of goodness. Sometimes, you know, in the devotional service, depending on one's aptitude or skill set, not everyone may be very good in shastras or giving lectures or, you know, in that, you may be able to better serve doing some other service, which may be more in the mode of passion, like, you know, running the show or managing, which may certainly, you know, seem to be more quote-unquote passionate, but it is paradoxical, you know, setting the initiation or something, you feel that is where you can contribute the most.
Now, is mind distracting you because eventually everyone is getting old and necessary mode of goodness, you can't even, you know, think of proceeding for devotional service, which is even beyond that. So, what should we…