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So, this enumeration not only helps one self-assess if one has already transcended the influence of the trigunas but also guides those on the path on the conducive codes of conduct by which means one can attain the transcendental nature.<ref name=":1" /> In short, the attributes described in verses 14.22-25 are the virtues to be cultivated by an aspirant of Self-knowledge as a means of attaining it. And when the aspirant becomes a jivanmukta, freed while still living in the human body, all these virtues become a part of his nature and serve as marks of mukti that is perceivable for himself.<ref name=":2" />

So, this enumeration not only helps one self-assess if one has already transcended the influence of the trigunas but also guides those on the path on the conducive codes of conduct by which means one can attain the transcendental nature.<ref name=":1" /> In short, the attributes described in verses 14.22-25 are the virtues to be cultivated by an aspirant of Self-knowledge as a means of attaining it. And when the aspirant becomes a jivanmukta, freed while still living in the human body, all these virtues become a part of his nature and serve as marks of mukti that is perceivable for himself.<ref name=":2" />

== Means to attain transcendence<ref name=":1" /> ==

== त्रिगुणातीतसाधनम् ॥ Means to Attain Transcendence<ref name=":1" /> ==

How does one pass beyond the three gunas ?

Having enumerated the characteristics of a Trigunatita, Shri Krishna then declares Bhakti Yoga as the means to transcend the Trigunas. He says,<blockquote>मां च योऽव्यभिचारेण भक्तियोगेन सेवते । स गुणान्समतीत्यैतान्ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ॥१४.२६॥

मां च योऽव्यभिचारेण भक्तियोगेन सेवते । स गुणान्समतीत्यैतान्ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते ॥१४- २६॥

ब्रह्मणो हि प्रतिष्ठाहममृतस्याव्ययस्य च । शाश्वतस्य च धर्मस्य सुखस्यैकान्तिकस्य च ॥१४.२७॥<ref name=":3" />

One who engages in full devotional service, unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman.

māṁ ca yo'vyabhicāreṇa bhaktiyogena sevate । sa guṇānsamatītyaitānbrahmabhūyāya kalpate ॥14.26॥

And he who worships Me with the yoga of undeviating love rises above the gunas and becomes fit to be one with Brahman.

It is explained in the Seventh Chapter (Jnana Vijnana Yoga) that material nature is the manifestation of the inferior energy of the Supreme Being. When a living entity conditioned by this material nature begins cultivation of spiritual knowledge, he elevates himself from the position of material existence and gradually rises up to the Brahman conception of the Supreme.

Me - The Lord who dwells in the hearts of all as their inmost Self.  

Though in the constitutional position, a living entity is above the trigunas, association with material nature entangles one in the different modes of material nature viz. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Due to this association, one desires to dominate the material world. By engagement in devotional service, one is immediately situated in the transcendental position and the unlawful desire to control the material nature is removed.

Shri Krishna thus, answers Arjuna's third question on the means to attain a transcendental position.<ref name=":1" />

 

To be one with Brahman - That is to say, he is ready for liberation.SN

 

This verse is a reply to Arjuna's third question - what is the means of attaining to the transcendental position ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is explained in the Seventh Chapter that material nature is the manifestation of the inferior energy of the Supreme Lord. The Lord impregnates the inferior, material nature with fragments of the Superior nature, and that is the spiritual touch in the material nature. When a living entity conditioned by this material nature begins that cultivation of spiritual knowledge, he elevates himself from the position of material existence and gradually rises up to the Brahman conception of the Supreme.

 

In his constitutional position, a living entity is above the three modes of material nature, but association with material nature entangles him in the different modes of material nature - goodness, passion and ignorance. Due to the association of these three modes, his desire to dominate the material world is there. By engagement in devotional service, he is immediately situated in the transcendental position and his unlawful desire to control material nature is removed.  

 

== References ==

== References ==