Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 14 · Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 14.23 उदासीनवदासीनो गुणैर्यो न विचाल्यते
श्लोक 14.23
उदासीनवदासीनो गुणैर्यो न विचाल्यते ।
गुणा वर्तन्त इत्येवं योऽवतिष्ठति नेङ्गते ॥
udāsīnavadāsīno guṇairyo na vicālyate |
guṇā vartanta ityevaṃ yo'vatiṣṭhati neṅgate ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
वह उदासीन के समान बैठा रहता है और गुण उसे विचलित नहीं कर पाते। 'गुण ही अपना काम कर रहे हैं' — यह जानकर वह स्थिर रहता है और डगमगाता नहीं।
Meaning in English
Seated like one indifferent, he is not shaken by the gunas. Knowing that it is only the gunas that are acting, he stays steady and does not waver.
Bhagavad Gita 14.23 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| उदासीनवत् | udāsīnavat | like one indifferent, neutral |
| आसीनः | āsīnaḥ | seated |
| गुणैः | guṇaiḥ | by the gunas |
| यः | yaḥ | who |
| न विचाल्यते | na vicālyate | is not shaken |
| गुणाः | guṇāḥ | the gunas |
| वर्तन्ते | vartante | are acting |
| इति एवम् | iti evam | thinking thus |
| यः | yaḥ | who |
| अवतिष्ठति | avatiṣṭhati | stays firm |
| न इङ्गते | na iṅgate | does not waver |
Explanation
Seated like one who is neutral, he is not shaken by the gunas. Knowing that it is only the gunas that are acting, he stays firm and does not waver. He watches the play of nature like an onlooker, steady and untroubled.
Udasina literally means one seated above, like an onlooker at a contest who is not a party to it. This is not coldness but freedom from being dragged in. The thought it is only the gunas at work echoes chapter 3. Shankara stresses that the person remains established in the self. Gandhi and other practical readers note that such steadiness lets one act wisely in conflict instead of reacting.
भावार्थ
जो उदासीन के समान स्थित रहकर गुणों द्वारा विचलित नहीं होता, और गुण ही गुणों में बरत रहे हैं — ऐसा समझकर स्थिर रहता है और डगमगाता नहीं। वह साक्षी की तरह सब देखता है।
Living it today
In a heated moment, imagine watching from a balcony. Seeing the scene from above helps you respond rather than react.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 14.23?
Seated like one who is neutral, he is not shaken by the gunas. Knowing that it is only the gunas that are acting, he stays firm and does not waver. He watches the play of nature like an onlooker, steady and untroubled.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 14.23?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 14 (Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 14.23 in daily life?
In a heated moment, imagine watching from a balcony. Seeing the scene from above helps you respond rather than react.
Reflected on verse 14.23?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.