Verse 14.23 : Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga "Three Modes of Nature"
Verse 23 of 27
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The Translation
“He who sits as if unconcerned, undisturbed by the modes, who remains steady and wavers not, knowing that 'it is only the modes that are active.'”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna describes the behavior of the enlightened soul when facing external disturbances, explaining how they remain steady by recognizing that the modes of nature are acting.
Practical Application
1
When encountering drama or an argument today, step back: observe it as the gunas acting, and remain a neutral witness, refusing to react.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- What does it mean to sit 'as if unconcerned' when chaos surrounds you? How can you cultivate this inner sanctuary?
- How can the understanding that 'only the Gunas are acting' help you detach from dramatic reactions?
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14.23
उदासीनवदासीनो गुणैर्यो न विचाल्यते
Shankara explains that 'udāsīnavat' means the sage behaves like a neutral third party who does not take sides. He understands that the Gunas are merely operating upon their objects (senses and sense objects), and because he identifies with the immutable Self, he is never shaken from his spiritual equilibrium.