श्रीभगवानुवाच | प्रकाशं च प्रवृत्तिं च मोहमेव च पाण्डव | न द्वेष्टि सम्प्रवृत्तानि न निवृत्तानि काङ् क्षति || 22 || उदासीनवदासीनो गुणैर्यो न विचाल्यते | गुणा वर्तन्त इत्येवं योऽवतिष्ठति नेङ्गते || 23 || |
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The Supreme Lord said:
“O Arjuna, in this body, happiness, activity, and delusion, all arise from the three modes of material nature.”
“But the one who does not hate the presence of these modes nor long for their absence, who remains impartial and unaffected by them, truly remains established in his true nature; such a person remains unshaken by the interplay of the modes.”
Commentary: Lord Krishna responds to Arjuna’s inquiry about transcending the three modes of material nature. The Lord explains that within the body, the manifestation of happiness, activity, and delusion all emerge from the influence of the three modes – sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).
The Lord states that the enlightened individual, one who has transcended the modes, does not develop aversion or hatred towards the modes of nature when they are present. Similarly, he does not long for the absence of these modes. He maintains equanimity and remains unaffected by the ever-changing interplay of the modes.
The term “udāsīna-vadāsīnaḥ” is used to describe such an enlightened person. It means that they are detached, impartial, and unaffected like an impartial observer. They are not swayed by the qualities and influences of the modes, however they feel compassion and empathy for everyone.
The modes of material nature continue to function and influence the material world, but the enlightened person remains established in his true nature, unaffected by these modes. He is aware of the presence of the modes and their effects but does not identify with them. Instead, he remains firmly situated in his spiritual consciousness, beyond the influence of the modes.
These verses highlight the state of transcendence where one remains detached from the modes of material nature while still actively participating in the world. It emphasizes the importance of developing equanimity and remaining centered in one’s true self, unaffected by the ever-changing qualities and influences of the material world.
The teachings in these verses provide guidance on how to navigate the complexities of life and maintain inner stability amidst the fluctuations of the modes of material nature. By cultivating awareness, detachment, and equanimity, one can attain a state of transcendence and experience true spiritual freedom.