But charity inspired by the hope of reward, the desire for material gain, or that done reluctantly, is said to belong to passion.

Finally, charity that is given neither at the proper time nor place, nor to worthy people, or that is exercised disrespectfully and contemptuously, is said to stem from ignorance.

Virtue, passion, and ignorance are the three attributes and modes of influence of material nature. It is through them that material energy conditions the incarnate souls that we are.

True definitions of the three attributes and modes of influence of material nature.

Virtue: Its influence brings about, in the one upon whom it is exercised, knowledge, happiness, purity, mastery of the senses, serenity, humility, and moderation. It is governed by Lord Vishnu, the full emanation of Krishna.

Passion: Its influence leads, in the one upon whom it is exerted, to covetousness, a great attachment to worldly things, uncontrollable desires, ardent aspirations, and, despite intense and constant efforts to improve their material condition, perpetual dissatisfaction. It is governed by Brahma, the first created being and ruler of our galaxy, placed in this position by Krishna.

Ignorance: The state of one who is ignorant of all information relating to God as He truly is, to spiritual knowledge, to existential and absolute truth, and to their true nature as a spiritual soul or spiritual identity. It is this last point that leads them to mistakenly identify with their physical body and everything connected to it. Influenced by ignorance, the incarnate spiritual being mistakenly believes themselves to be the master and rightful beneficiary of the material world. Unaware of their original constitution as a servant of God, they thus usurp the place that rightfully belongs to the Supreme Lord Krishna. This ignorance is very dangerous for the incarnate being, as it leads them to commit many sinful acts. They then sink deeper and deeper into the cycle of repeated deaths and rebirths, or successive reincarnations, and run the risk of being reborn among the animal species.

Its influence brings about illusion, confusion, laziness, anger, and the use of intoxicants in those upon whom it is exerted. They are governed by Shiva, the full emanation of the Supreme Lord.