Chapter 14, Verse 25 (Bhagavad Gita 14.25)
Chapter 14: Guṇa Traya Vibhāg Yog – Yoga through Understanding the Three Modes of Material Nature
Sanskrit Shloka
मानापमानयोस्तुल्यस्तुल्यो मित्रारिपक्षयोः।सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी गुणातीतः स उच्यते
Transliteration
mānāpamānayos tulyas tulyo mitrāri-pakṣhayoḥ sarvārambha-parityāgī guṇātītaḥ sa uchyate
Word Meanings
māna—honor; apamānayoḥ—dishonor; tulyaḥ—equal; tulyaḥ—equal; mitra—friend; ari—foe; pakṣhayoḥ—to the parties; sarva—all; ārambha—enterprises; parityāgī—renouncer; guṇa-atītaḥ—risen above the three modes of material nature; saḥ—they; uchyate—are said to have
Translation
He who is the same in honor and dishonor, the same to friend and foe, having abandoned all undertakings, is said to have transcended the modes of material nature.
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound verse, Lord Krishna defines the characteristics of one who has truly conquered the three Gunas of material nature. By remaining equipoised amidst the dualities of social reputation and personal relationships, the devotee detaches their consciousness from the temporary ego. Lord Krishna reveals that the renunciation of 'all undertakings' does not imply inactivity, but rather the cessation of material desires and the fruit-seeking mentality. Such a soul acts solely as an instrument of the Divine, finding liberation by anchoring their heart in the eternal truth of Shri Krishna. This is the state of a Gunatita, who dwells in the tranquility of the Lord's own presence, beyond the reach of worldly fluctuations.