Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 19
Guṇa-vibhāga: The Three Modes and the Path Beyond Them
एधमाने गुणे सत्त्वे देवानां बलमेधते । असुराणां च रजसि तमस्युद्धव रक्षसाम् ॥ १९ ॥
edhamāne guṇe sattve devānāṁ balam edhate asurāṇāṁ ca rajasi tamasy uddhava rakṣasām
Dengan peningkatan sifat kebaikan (Sattva), kekuatan para dewa turut meningkat. Apabila nafsu (Rajas) meningkat, golongan asura menjadi kuat. Dan dengan kebangkitan kejahilan (Tamas), wahai Uddhava, kekuatan golongan raksasa yang paling jahat akan meningkat.
FAQs
This verse explains that when goodness grows, divine qualities and demigod-like strength increase; when passion dominates, asuric power rises; and when ignorance expands, destructive rākṣasic tendencies become prominent.
Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on how the guṇas shape behavior and power in the world, helping him understand social and inner dynamics and how to orient life toward transcendence beyond material modes.
Increase sattva through clean habits, truthful living, and spiritual practice; recognize rajas as restless ambition; avoid tamas such as intoxication, laziness, and cruelty—so one’s life moves toward clarity, devotion, and self-control.