The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas

Krishna continues describing the characteristics of one who has transcended: 'Udāsīna-vad āsīno guṇair yo na vicālyate'—he who, seated like one unconcerned (udāsīna-vat āsīnaḥ), is not moved (na vicālyate) by the gunas (guṇaiḥ). 'Guṇā vartanta ity evaṁ yo 'vatiṣṭhati neṅgate'—who, knowing that the gunas are active (guṇā vartante), remains firm (avatiṣṭhati) and does not waver (neṅgate). This is the position of transcendence: like an unconcerned observer, you watch the gunas play without being moved by them. You know they're active, you observe them, but you remain firm and steady. You don't waver, you don't get pulled into their drama. You maintain your position as the witness, separate from the play of the gunas.