Chapter 14 Verse 24-25
Guṇa Traya Vibhāg Yog
समदुःखसुखः स्वस्थः समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चनः।तुल्यप्रियाप्रियो धीरस्तुल्यनिन्दात्मसंस्तुतिः।।14.24।। मानापमानयोस्तुल्यस्तुल्यो मित्रारिपक्षयोः।सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी गुणातीतः स उच्यते।।14.25।।
sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ sva-sthaḥ sama-loṣhṭāśhma-kāñchanaḥ tulya-priyāpriyo dhīras tulya-nindātma-sanstutiḥ mānāpamānayos tulyas tulyo mitrāri-pakṣhayoḥ sarvārambha-parityāgī guṇātītaḥ sa uchyate
Word Meanings
| sama | alike |
| duḥkha | distress |
| sukhaḥ | happiness |
| sva-sthaḥ | established in the self |
| sama | equally |
| loṣhṭa | a clod |
| aśhma | stone |
| kāñchanaḥ | gold |
| tulya | of equal value |
| priya | pleasant |
| apriyaḥ | unpleasant |
| dhīraḥ | steady |
| tulya | the same |
| nindā | blame |
| ātma-sanstutiḥ | praise |
| 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
Who is the same in pleasure and pain, who dwells in the Self, to whom a clod of earth, a stone, and gold are all alike, who is the same to the dear and the unfriendly, who is firm, and to whom censure and praise are one and the same. Who is the same in honor and dishonor, the same to friend and foe, abandoning all undertakings, he is said to have transcended the dualities.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes a person who is steady within and does not swing with pleasure and pain. They are established in their true self, so outer things — whether a clod, a stone, or gold — do not change their inner calm.
Such a person treats friends and foes alike, and remains unmoved by praise or blame, honor or dishonor. Their steadiness comes from not seeking approval or avoiding criticism, and from seeing beyond the usual pulls of desire and fear.
Transcending the three gunas means letting go of actions done only for gain, praise, or comfort. It does not mean withdrawing from life; it means acting without being driven by ups and downs, and living from a steady inner center.
Life Application
- Before reacting to good or bad news, pause, breathe, and ask: "Is this changing who I truly am?"
- Practice small acts without seeking reward (help someone, do a task) to weaken the habit of doing things for praise.
- Notice when you favor people or avoid others; try one small step of kindness toward someone you usually ignore.
Reflection Question
When did praise or criticism recently change my mood, and how might I meet that feeling from a steadier place?