As one has taken birth, one will have to engage in worldly transactions! While in the world what should one's conduct be like? This is an important question. Pleasure-pain, desirable-undesirable situations, etc. are always met with in the world. The conduct of the one who has transcended the qualities while being in these circumstances is still unaffected by them; because he has been able to make a balanced state in all circumstances.

In the world one meets with the desirable and undesirable simultaneously. Desirable state is preferred and in it one experiences happiness in normal circumstances. Undesirable state is not welcomed and that is why it is of the nature of sorrow. The one who has transcended the qualities knows well that neither desirable state nor the undesirable state persists! When pleasant becomes unpleasant and when unpleasant becomes pleasant it is not certain. This too is not certain that what is taken by the mind to be desirable now, when one's own mind will start considering it to be undesirable. This is only one of the predispositions of the mind; on rising above it only can one experience the everlasting and permanent bliss! That is why it is desirable to rise above these states. The one who has transcended the attributes does not get involved in these. Whatever may be the situation-pleasant or unpleasant, favourable or unfavourable he remains equipoised and calm.

In fact, this state is possible only when the tendency rising above the circumstances becomes established in its own nature. Abidance in 'swa' self is the state of being healthy. Here the state of health pertains to the inner state, not the physical body. The one who is healthy inside he is the one who is self-possessed and patient. Only he can remain equal when faced with happiness-sorrow, pleasant-unpleasant, praise-blame, etc. One will find in this world persons who praise and eulogise, but one can also meet with those who criticize and speak contrary words. The external states have their own colours and ways and the people have their own opinions. The one who has transcended the qualities remaining firm in his own self is equal in all situations. Neither does he feel arrogant due to elation caused by eulogy nor does he get disappointed by censure. Even to the extent that he has an equal vision towards the clod of mud, stone and gold. From the point of view of utility all have their own significance. The one who has transcended the attributes does not think that gold is worth more and that is why he has a desire for it and attaches special importance for it. Towards stone or mud the attitude is of indifference. All are part of the Lord's creation; that is why in his eyes all are the same. Not just this-

Where there is desire for honour, the mind feels elated on getting honoured, there dishonour will perturb the mind. Honour and dishonour are states related to the egoism pertaining to the body. There is no question of arrogance pertaining to the body which has risen above the attributes; because if the disposition sticks to body consciousness then how can he be said to be above the attributes? In the absence of body consciousness only is it possible to rise above honour and dishonour! Till the time the body is considered to be all, honour and dishonour will keep on perturbing one. The reality is that the one who is beyond the qualities is never disturbed on facing dishonour and becomes silent when honoured. Having an equal vision and attitude, the one who is beyond the qualities does not have any enemy or friend. All are of the nature of the Self. From the point of view of consciousness all are our own. But in accordance with one's feelings if someone has a feeling of enmity or friendliness towards such a great soul even then the one who has risen above the qualities maintains an equal attitude towards them.

Actions keep on taking place. While the body lasts actions will continue. This attitude becomes firmly established that all is juat happening, I am not doing anything. The one who is above qualities does not perform any task by maintaining an egoistic attitude of doership. Such an attitude before commencing any task-1 will do this, I will attain this if I do this. This attitude is not found in the one who is above the qualities; that if I do not do this; it will not be accomplished. He remains as the witness always. Where the qualities are interacting with qualities, actions are taking place in accordance with them. There is no reason for doership and no justification for it too.

Now follows the answer to the third question of Arjun! What are the means of going beyond the attributes? The Blessed Lord says-