Chapter 14 · Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga - The Yoga of the Division of the Three GunasKrishna
Verse 23
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 14, श्लोक 23
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
उदासीनवदासीनो गुणैर्यो न विचाल्यते।
गुणा वर्तन्त इत्येवं योऽवतिष्ठति नेङ्गते॥२३॥
Transliteration
Udasina-Vad-Asino Gunair-Yo Na Vichalyate.
Guna Vartanta Ity-Evam Yo'vatishthati Ne'ngate.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
उदासीनवत्udasinavatlike one indifferent
आसीनःasinahseated/remaining
गुणैःgunaihby the Gunas
न विचाल्यतेna vichalyateis not disturbed
गुणाःgunahthe Gunas
वर्तन्तेvartanteare operating
इतिitithus
अवतिष्ठतिavatishthatiremains firm
न इङ्गतेna ingatedoes not waver
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
जो उदासीन के समान स्थित है, गुणों द्वारा विचलित नहीं होता, 'गुण ही गुणों में बरत रहे हैं' — ऐसा जानकर स्थिर रहता है और डगमगाता नहीं,
English Translation
He who sits like one unconcerned, undisturbed by the Gunas, who remains firm knowing that the Gunas alone are operating — he does not waver.
Commentary (टीका)
The Gunatita maintains the awareness that all mental and physical activities are merely the play of the Gunas in Prakriti. He sits as a witness, like a neutral observer, understanding that it is the Gunas interacting with the Gunas. This knowledge keeps him stable and unshaken through all the vicissitudes of life.