Guest (4): In the three modes of material nature, do we fit into one category, or is there a sharp line dividing us from ignorance and passion and goodness, or is it just a sort of maybe a blend of two or three or . . .?
Prabhupāda: Yes. According to the laws of material nature, if you are in the body of ignorance, then you have to gradually elevate to the body of passion; then from the passion, passionate body, you have to elevate yourself to the body of goodness. But this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is so nice that you can immediately transcend all these qualitative modes of nature—immediately. Sa guṇān samatītyaitān. It is said clearly that anyone who is engaged in devotional service, he can transcend immediately all the qualitative stages of this material world.
- sa guṇān samatītyaitān
- brahma-bhūyāya kalpate
- (BG 14.26)
Just like these boys, European, American boys, girls, they are practically in the modes of passion. But they have been elevated immediately to the spiritual platform worshiping Kṛṣṇa. That is possible. Just like if you go by steps, you have to go step by step. But you capture the elevator, the lift, immediately within seconds you go to the highest floor, topmost. They take two process. So if you want to go step by step, that is your choice. But you can accept also the lift—immediately surpasses all the steps and go to the top floor.