The animation of the total material energy gives rise to material action. Virtue and passion develop first, then, under the influence of ignorance, matter, the knowledge associated with it, and the action that results from it manifest.

The various forms of material creation all more or less derive from the development of passion.

The total material energy is the principle of material creation, and when the latter is animated by the will of God, the Absolute, the influences of virtue and passion initially predominate; then, through various forms of material action, passion alone remains predominant. But soon, the individual being, through his actions, falls increasingly under the influence of ignorance.

Brahma embodies passion, Lord Visnu, the plenary emanation of Krishna, virtue, and Siva, the father of material action, ignorance.

Material nature is said to be the mother, and Siva the father, for he engenders material existence.

The material creations produced by individual beings are therefore characterized by passion. With the passage of time in a given age, the influence of the three attributes and modes of influence of material nature: virtue, passion, and ignorance, increases markedly.

In the Iron Age, also called the Black Age or the Dark Age, for example, our own, where the influence of passion predominates, material action in various forms develops in the name of the progress of civilization, and thus plunges us, as distinct beings, ever deeper into forgetfulness of our true identity, our true spiritual nature.

If they cultivate virtue to some extent, they may then have a fleeting glimpse of their true spiritual nature, but because passion predominates, virtue deteriorates and loses its strength.

It is therefore impossible to transcend the influence of the three attributes and modes of influence of material nature, and consequently very difficult to attain the realization of the Lord, He who exists forever beyond these influences, even if through various practices one places oneself more firmly in virtue.

In the material universe, three principles operate predominantly and appear as the elements in their raw state: that which pertains to raw matter, that which concerns its maintenance, and that which generates material action. Their manifestation continues in the use made of them by deluded beings to create objects for the pleasures of the senses.