Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.25

“The same in honor and dishonor, equal to friend and foe, abandoning all undertakings—he is said to have transcended the gunas.”
Key Teaching: A transcendent person is equal in honor, dishonor, friend, foe, and abandons undertakings.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga, Jnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna describes one who has transcended the gunas as equal in honor and dishonor, equal to friend and foe, and abandoning all undertakings. This verse, continuing 14.24, addresses Arjuna’s question (2.9, 14.21). The themes of guidance, as Krishna details transcendence, dharma, as he supports Arjuna’s duty, Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga, as he explains gunas’ transcendence, and Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes wisdom, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s struggles with relationships (1.28–46) contrast with Duryodhana’s enmity (1.3–11). Krishna’s teaching supports Arjuna’s Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47) and Jnana Yoga (6.7), fostering detachment.

Philosophically, this verse addresses transcendence through impartiality, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on equanimity (6.7). Arjuna’s understanding is deepened by Krishna’s guidance on detachment. The themes of Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga and Jnana Yoga underscore the Gita’s focus on transcending gunas for liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their impartial clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s impartiality, where transcendence abandons bias. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine detachment, aligning with liberation.