Is Happiness and Sorrow Just an Illusion?
In the previous verse, Krishna described His omnipresence—He is the fragrance of the earth, the heat in fire, and the life in all beings. Yet, today's verse, Chapter 7, Verse 12, addresses a profound dilemma: if everything is a manifestation of God, why does life feel so tangled and painful? We often blame our circumstances or our luck for our unhappiness, constantly seeking pleasure outside of ourselves.
For the modern youth, navigating through the pressure of corporate careers, complex relationships, and the curated perfection of social media, life feels like a constant tug-of-war. We look at others and feel inadequate. We seek validation through external achievements. But Krishna here reveals a truth that changes the entire equation of your existence.
Many hold the misconception that meditation or spirituality requires retreating into a cave, leaving the world behind. However, the Bhagavad Gita does not teach detachment through escapism. Krishna explains that all our experiences—whether they are sattvic (pure), rajasic (passionate/agitated), or tamasic (ignorant/lazy)—are essentially manifestations of the three modes of material nature (Gunas).
Have you noticed that the same person can feel peaceful in one moment and extremely angry in the next? The circumstances haven't changed, but your 'mode' has. Today’s verse unlocks the mystery of how we are bound by these three threads, and how Krishna, the source of everything, remains transcendental to them.
This verse is for those who feel enslaved by their own emotions. When you feel anxious, you think, 'I am anxious.' When you feel happy, you think, 'This is my life’s goal.' But Krishna is inviting us to take a step back and observe. This blog serves as a manual for your mind, helping you understand the mechanics of the Gunas.
ये चैव सात्त्विका भावा राजसास्तामसाश्च ये ।
मत्त एवेति तान् विद्धि न त्वहं तेषु ते मयि ॥ ७.१२ ॥
Simple Meaning: The Play of Modes
ये चैव सात्त्विका भावा — Whatever states of existence are in the mode of goodness (Sattva). राजसास्तामसाश्च ये — or those in the mode of passion (Rajas) and ignorance (Tamas). मत्त एवेति तान् विद्धि — Know that all these originate from Me alone. न त्वहं तेषु ते मयि — But I am not in them; they are within Me.
This implies that everything we experience—good or bad—originates from the Divine. However, Krishna clarifies that He is not under the control of these modes. We, however, identify with them. The goal is to move from 'identification' with the modes to 'observation' of the modes.
The first takeaway is that nothing exists outside the domain of God. The second is that the Gunas are not your true identity; they are merely temporary states of the material mind. The third is that liberation begins when you stop calling these passing moods 'me' or 'mine'.
Insights from Swami Ramsukhdas Ji
Swami Ramsukhdas Ji emphasizes the phrase 'Mattah eva' (from Me alone). He explains that we often commit the error of labeling these states as our personality. When we experience anger, we say, 'I am an angry person.' Swami Ji clarifies that emotions are functions of nature, not the soul. The soul is inherently peaceful.
He explains the phrase 'Na tu aham teshu'—God is not affected by these modes. Just as the sunlight falling on a pile of refuse remains pure, the Divine remains untouched by the qualities of material nature. He suggests that a seeker should adopt this stance of neutrality. You are the witness, not the doer.
Practically, Swami Ji suggests that whenever a strong emotion arises, don't own it. Label it as a temporary manifestation of the Gunas. This detachment brings immediate relief. By refusing to give the emotion your 'identity,' you break the bondage of the Gunas.
His wisdom is centered on transcendence. When you realize that the Gunas arise from God and return to God, you no longer harbor attachment or hatred toward any of them. You simply watch, and in that watching, there is freedom.
Srila Prabhupada’s Perspective
Srila Prabhupada approaches this verse from the lens of pure devotion. He explains that everything we perceive in the material world is an expansion of Krishna’s external energy. He likens the three Gunas to chains in a prison—the golden chain (goodness), the silver chain (passion), and the iron chain (ignorance).
He teaches that the only way to escape this prison of modes is to take shelter of Krishna. Prabhupada famously notes that when one engages in Krishna Consciousness, one begins to transcend these modes. He explains that Krishna is the supreme controller, and just as a king is not bound by the prison laws he sets for his subjects, Krishna is not bound by the Gunas.
The core of his interpretation is 'Sharanam' (Surrender). If you are troubled by the modes of nature, don't try to fix them through mundane efforts. Instead, turn to Krishna. Chanting the Holy Name is the prescribed method to rise above the influence of these modes and align oneself with the transcendental nature of the Lord.
Swami Mukundananda’s Modern Application
Swami Mukundananda uses the analogy of computer 'data' to explain the Gunas. Sattva is the useful software, Rajas is the noisy distractions, and Tamas is the corruption in the system. Our struggle is that we identify with this data. We think the computer is the user.
He uses the gym workout analogy for spiritual growth. When we face challenges (Rajas/Tamas), it is like putting stress on our spiritual 'muscles.' If we were always in a state of comfort (Sattva), we would never grow. We need the contrast of these modes to test our resilience and commitment to our path.
He urges youth to become 'watchers' of their thoughts. When laziness (Tamas) strikes, say to yourself, 'This is the mode of ignorance trying to influence me, but I am the observer, not the lazy one.' This practice is a powerful cognitive hack that reduces anxiety and helps you regain control.
His message to the youth is about 'Re-direction.' Don't suppress your passion (Rajas); instead, channel it toward a higher purpose (service to God). This redirection is the hallmark of true intelligence.
Real-Life Scenarios: Meditation and Work
Imagine you are at the office. Your boss gives you critical feedback. A surge of Rajas (passion/anger) hits you. You feel offended and want to argue back. If you are not mindful, you identify with that anger and lash out, leading to professional regret. But if you remember this Gita verse, you will pause and think, 'This is just the mode of passion arising in my mind, it is not my core nature.' This thought creates a gap between you and the emotion, giving you the clarity to respond calmly.
In meditation, the same happens. You sit to focus, and suddenly you feel great peace (Sattva). You feel proud and start thinking, 'I am a great yogi.' That pride is also a Guna! As Swami Mukundananda teaches, the practice is to simply 'bring the mind back.' Whenever a mode dominates, acknowledge it, and gently return your focus to the Divine.
In relationships, we often fluctuate between deep love, possessiveness, and indifference. These are not 'you'; they are the weather patterns of your mind. By observing them without judgment, you maintain your inner peace regardless of the situation.
Self Q&A
Q: Is it possible to completely eliminate these three modes?
A: Swami Ramsukhdas Ji explains that elimination is not the goal; observation is. Once you observe them as separate from your soul, their power over you naturally diminishes.
Q: How do I identify these modes in a high-stress office environment?
A: Swami Mukundananda suggests that when you feel restless or panicked, take a one-minute break. Breathe and remind yourself, 'This is just a temporary mode; it cannot shake my inner stability.'
Q: Does devotion to Krishna guarantee that I won't face these modes anymore?
A: Srila Prabhupada notes that devotion doesn't necessarily wipe out the modes, but it gives you the strength to transcend them and remain unfazed by their influence.
Q: If I am suffering, is that also God’s will?
A: Yes, suffering is often a divine wake-up call, urging you to stop identifying with the material world and return to your spiritual home.
Q: Should I stop every thought I have?
A: No, don't stop the thoughts; stop identifying with them. Let them flow like clouds, while you remain the constant sky.
🙏 Hare Krishna — Jai Shri Krishna 🙏
📖 Also Read: Are Your Desires Aligned with God? The Secret of Gita 7.11 🌸