Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 23

English Translation

He who, sitting like one indifferent, is not distracted by the three alities; he who, thinking that the alities alone act, remains firm and surely does not move;

Detailed Commentary

14.23. Explanation: *Udāsīnavadāsīnaḥ* (seated as if indifferent) – When two people are disputing, the one who takes no side is called *udāsīna*. Similarly, a profound *sādhaka*, while perceiving both *saṁsāra* and *Paramātmā*, remains like an *udāsīna*. In reality, *saṁsāra* has no independent existence; it merely appears to derive its being solely from the existence of *Paramātmā*. When a *sādhaka*'s vision perceives only the existence of *Paramātmā*, how can he be *udāsīna*? However, to those whose vision perceives the existence of both *saṁsāra* and *Paramātmā*, that *sādhaka* appears *udāsīna*. *Guṇairyo na vicālyate* (who is not perturbed by the *Guṇas*) – The *vṛttis* (tendencies or modifications) of the *Sattva*, *Rajas*, and *Tamas* *Guṇas* do arise within him, but he is not agitated by them. Just as changes in others' *antaḥkaraṇa* (inner instrument) do not affect our own state, similarly, even when *vṛttis* arise within his *antaḥkaraṇa*, there is no difference to him. The reason for this is that the awareness (*bhāva*) of *Paramātmā* remains awakened within him, and worldly existence (*saṁsāra*) is absent. *Guṇā vartanta ityeva yo'vatiṣṭhati* (who remains steadfast, knowing 'the *Guṇas* are acting in the *Guṇas*') – Understanding that the *Guṇas* alone are operating within the *Guṇas*, he remains unwavering in his state. *Na iṅgate* (does not stir) – He has no connection with the *Guṇas*, and he experiences the absence (*abhāva*) of any action (*kriyā*). A *guṇātīta* person does nothing of his own accord, because no action (*kriyā*) exists in his permanent, pure Self (*svarūpa*). In these verses, the Lord describes the detachment (*taṭasthatā*) and non-attachment (*nirliptatā*) of such a *guṇātīta mahāpuruṣa* (great soul who has transcended the *Guṇas*). Connection: In the twenty-first verse, Arjuna had inquired about the conduct of a *guṇātīta* person. The answer to that question is now being provided in the subsequent verses.