Verse 14.21

Verse 14.21: Arjuna spake—“By what marks (characterised) is the man who transcends these Gunas, O Lord? What is his mode of conduct? And how does he transcend these three Gunas?” (320)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

Feeling pleased (at the Lord’s words) the warrior (Arjuna) spake, "What are the distinguishing marks that appear in one in whom such realization of the Self gets deep-rooted, how the qualityless one conducts himself and how he transcends the Gunas—all this should be told to me by the parental home of kindness.” Hearing Arjuna’s question, the King possessed of the six qualities, spake-“Oh Partha, it is a novel thing that you are asking only so much (and not more). Just see, the very name “Above the Gunas” is unreal in such a case. One who is above quality must, either be not dominated by the Gunas and even were he to be amidst them, their contact must, in no way, affect him. Yet how to know whether he is so affected by the Gunas or is not so affected, when he is amidst their tunnoil (kharapa [kharape])? If this be the only doubt, you are welcome to ask about it: and now hear the signs I tell you.