We can do many things in our lives, but all our actions can be divided into three categories. It is more accurate to say that there are three elements (or gunas), and each of our actions will belong to one of them.
In Sanskrit, the word “guna” means “rope. The rope that connects our actions and the consequences they entail.
The element of goodness
The qualities which belong to this element are: generosity, simplicity, tolerance, faith, reason, compassion, control of the mind and feelings, analysis of the future and the past.
Lack of attachment to sensual pleasures and material goods, contentment with any flow of events, charity, spirituality – element of virtue.
When we work for others, when we do good works, thinking of the benefit of others, we are in virtue. And it is in this state that one can experience true happiness.
When we are in goodness, we help other people. We don’t ignore those around us; we help them reach their potential.
The Element of Passion
Includes qualities such as: exalting oneself above others, insolence, impudence, material desires, dependence on material goods, love of praise, love of sensual pleasures. Also belonging to this element are: the use of power as an excuse for one’s actions, boasting, and vanity.
What is a state of passion? Imagine that you’re fired up about an idea. For example, you heard about a photography talent contest and dreaming of to win the grand prize. You run around the city, looking for places to create photo shoots, making arrangements with models, buying a new camera…. It is a state of passion; it is better than ignorance, for there is useful activity in it. But it is not a virtue.
When we are in a state of passion, we only take on work that pays well. We do not hear the true desires of our children, but mold them into geniuses of some field, punishing them mercilessly for failure. We do not communicate with all people, but only with those who can be of use to us. As soon as a person ceases to be useful, contact is severed.
The Element of Ignorance
Includes the following qualities: illusions, regrets, quarrels, hypocrisy, acrimony, anger, and intolerance, 
dissatisfaction, consumerism about everything. False expectations, excessive sleep, laziness, fear, and chronic fatigue are also elements of ignorance.
Sitting on social media all day, eating your favorite cookies and drinking a cocktail is the element of ignorance. And if you remember your inner feelings at such moments, you will realize that they are far from happiness.
This element cannot be happiness, but it is not easy to get out of it, it is burdensome, aggravated by our laziness.
When we are in a state of ignorance, we do things we don’t like at all, and in doing so we do them terribly. We are indifferent to our children, sometimes very cruel. We reduce all communication to discussing other people, looking for faults in those around us.
So there are three elements, three different paths
And if you choose the path of passion, bright and attractive, you may think that this is it, real, sparkling happiness. The element of passion may welcome you as a dear guest, you will be happy, but over time that joy will fade. When you reach a certain point, you will realize that there will be no happiness. The element of passion is a path that will not lead to happiness.
There will never be happiness on the path of ignorance. If the element of passion gives at least an imaginary happiness at the beginning of the path, here there is no happiness at all. Sometimes a mirage of happiness may appear, but very faded, dull, without flavor…. And on this path your subconscious will always feel that there will never be happiness.
The road to happiness is one – the road of goodness. It is not as attractive as the road of passion, nor as easy as the road of ignorance. But as you scramble up the difficult road, you will realize with each step that something wonderful is waiting ahead. And it is true.
If you follow the element of virtue, don’t stray from the road, don’t be disappointed, you can pass the test and get to the oasis of harmony and beauty, to the abode of happiness. It will come closer to you and touch your hand. Isn’t this a worthy reward for overcoming obstacles?
Look in what guna you are now. And you will be able to foresee the outcome of your actions ahead of time. Maybe this is the moment to change direction?
Love Maria Shakti 
