उदासीनवदासीनो गुणैर्यो न विचाल्यते।गुणा वर्तन्त इत्येव योऽवतिष्ठति नेङ्गते
The phrase 'remains unshaken' refers to a person's ability to stay steady and unaffected by the disturbances caused by the modes of nature, which are known as the gunas. Such a person is not swayed by pleasure, pain, or the various influences of sattva, rajas, and tamas, but maintains inner composure and balance.
You may notice a mood without letting it dictate every action. When praise or criticism arrives, pause and return to the values you want to guide your response.
What value should remain steady through this change of mood?
Write a private reflectionGo deeper into this verse
In Chapter 14, Verse 23, how does one act when they know that 'the modes act on the modes' according to this teaching on Self?
When one understands that 'the modes act on the modes,' they see that all actions and reactions are the result of material qualities interacting with each other. This insight leads them to witness life with detachment, neither identifying with actions nor being disturbed by them. They observe without getting entangled, maintaining a neutral and peaceful outlook.
Why is the quality of being 'indifferent' or 'like a witness' emphasized for a person established in the Self?
Being 'indifferent' or 'like a witness' is emphasized because it reflects a state where the person is no longer controlled by desires, attachments, or aversions created by the gunas. This witness-like awareness allows one to rest in the Self, free from the ups and downs of worldly experiences, and leads to lasting peace and stability.
What is the significance of understanding that 'guna vrittis' or modes operate independently, as taught in this teaching on Self?
Understanding that the 'guna vrittis' or modes operate independently helps one realize that the true Self is beyond these changing qualities. This realization encourages detachment from the outcomes of actions and prevents personal identification with emotions, thoughts, or behaviors, fostering inner freedom and equanimity.
How can a person remain 'established in the Self' and avoid being disturbed by the gunas in daily life?
A person can remain established in the Self by cultivating awareness of their true nature, practicing meditation, and developing detachment from the fruits of actions. By observing their thoughts and emotions without reacting, and remembering that the gunas are simply forces of nature, one can maintain stability and peace. Regular self-inquiry and mindfulness support this state of being unaffected by external changes.
He who, seated as a neutral, is unshaken by the qualities; who, saying, "The qualities revolve," standeth apart immovable.