Transcending the Material Position of Goodness
The journey of self-realization requires the conditioned soul to gradually elevate itself from the dark depths of ignorance to the illuminating platform of goodness. However, as Śrīla Prabhupāda explicitly teaches, this material goodness is merely a transitional stage, not the final destination. To attain the eternal, uncontaminated association of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one must completely transcend the material modes of nature and become securely situated in the spiritual realm of pure, unalloyed goodness.
The Symptoms of Material Goodness
When an individual rises to the mode of goodness (sattva-guṇa), a distinct transformation occurs in their consciousness and daily experience. The heavy burdens of ignorance and the frantic agitations of passion are replaced by a profound sense of inner joy and cleanliness. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that in this elevated material position, a person becomes free from moroseness and begins to theoretically grasp the philosophical truths of their own identity, the nature of the world, and the existence of God.
- As a matter of fact, we will see that we are no longer in ignorance or in passion, but are situated in the mode of goodness. What is that position? We will find ourselves joyful in every circumstance of life. We will never feel morose.
- Mode of goodness is that in that position we can understand, at least theoretically, "What I am, what is this world, what is God, what is our interrelation?"
- One becomes cleansed inside and outside. In every gate there is development of the symptoms of happiness, and that is the position of goodness.
- One who is attracted by the material quality of darkness is in the lowest stage of life, whereas one who is attracted by the material quality of goodness is in a better position.
The Vulnerability of the Material Modes
Despite its peaceful and illuminating characteristics, material goodness is fundamentally unstable because it is a product of the illusory energy. The laws of material nature dictate a constant competition among the three modes. Consequently, as Śrīla Prabhupāda warns, a person situated in material goodness is always susceptible to being dragged down or contaminated by sudden surges of passion and ignorance, making it a precarious platform for ultimate spiritual security.
- Even when one is situated in the mode of goodness, there is every possibility that his position will be mixed with or attacked by the mode of passion or ignorance. That is the law of material nature.
- Material goodness is apt to be contaminated by the other two material qualities - ignorance and passion - but when one is situated in the suddha-sattva position, there is no chance for such contamination. It is a spiritual platform of pure goodness.
- You keep yourself always in goodness. Then your position is all right. Otherwise, it is very risky. But these people, the Western people, they do not do that. They keep themselves in the modes of ignorance. That is very risky civilization.
Goodness is Not the Ultimate Goal
Because the mode of goodness is still tethered to the material world, it cannot be considered the final qualification for spiritual liberation. While it is highly beneficial and creates a favorable environment for spiritual practice, it is not the direct cause of transcendental advancement. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that a genuine seeker must strive to overcome all material designations—even the most pious and moral ones—because the Absolute Truth, Lord Kṛṣṇa, exists entirely beyond the jurisdiction of material qualities.
- Krsna is advising Arjuna that either goodness or passion or ignorance, after all, they are activities of this material world. You have to come above, transcend this position of goodness also. So goodness is not qualification for spiritual advancement.
- You have to come above, transcend this position of goodness also. So goodness is not qualification for spiritual advancement, but it is helping. If a man is very good man, then it is helping to spiritual life. But that is not the cause.
- Because they (mode of goodness, passion or ignorance) are produced by Krsna, their position is in Him, but He is not in them, for Krsna Himself is transcendental to the three modes.
- Gradually, one can change his position from ignorance to goodness, or from passion to goodness. The conclusion is that blind faith in a particular mode of nature cannot help a person become elevated to the perfectional stage.
Reaching the Platform of Pure Goodness
The true objective of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to elevate the conditioned soul to the platform of śuddha-sattva, or pure goodness. Unlike material goodness, this state of viśuddha-sattva is completely unmixed and permanently safe from the contaminating attacks of lower modes. In this unalloyed spiritual position, commonly referred to as the state of Vasudeva, the living entity can perfectly reflect the Supreme Lord and execute uninterrupted, unmotivated loving service.
- The position of visuddha-sattva is the position of uncontaminated goodness.
- There is a vivid description (in the Bhagavat-sandarbha) of the transcendental position known as suddha-sattva.
- The devotee is fixed at once in the mode of goodness, and he makes further progress to rise to the position of Vasudeva, or the state of unmixed sattva, or suddha-sattva.
- Dear lord, you are situated in your pure existential position of goodness; therefore you are the perfect representative of the Supreme Lord.
- This (the need for brahminical culture and protection from the government) is admitted in this verse by the citizens of Maharaja Prthu, who could maintain the wonderful situation of his government due to his position in pure goodness.
The Process of Transcendental Elevation
Crossing the ocean of material nature and arriving at the shore of pure goodness requires a potent spiritual catalyst. Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms that the most effective method for this elevation is the regular hearing and chanting of the holy names of the Lord. This transcendental sound vibration actively cleanses the heart of deeply rooted lust and avarice, allowing the practitioner to steadily maintain their position in śuddha-sattva and comprehend the supreme science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Everyone should be given the chance to hear the holy names of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for thus one will gradually come to understand his real position in life and be elevated to the transcendental position above the mode of goodness.
- When these impurities (material lusts and avarice) are wiped away, the candidate remains steady in his position of pure goodness, becomes enlivened by devotional service and understands the science of God perfectly.
Conclusion
While it is necessary to shed the modes of ignorance and passion to lead a peaceful and civilized life, the sincere spiritualist must not become complacent upon reaching the platform of material goodness. By understanding the vulnerable nature of this worldly state through the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, one is motivated to push further. Through the unbroken execution of devotional service and the chanting of the holy names, the soul successfully transcends all material qualities and becomes firmly established in the eternal, joyful, and uncontaminated reality of pure goodness.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Position of Goodness. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.