Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 35
Guṇa-vibhāga: The Three Modes and the Path Beyond Them
सत्त्वं चाभिजयेद् युक्तो नैरपेक्ष्येण शान्तधी: । सम्पद्यते गुणैर्मुक्तो जीवो जीवं विहाय माम् ॥ ३५ ॥
sattvaṁ cābhijayed yukto nairapekṣyeṇa śānta-dhīḥ sampadyate guṇair mukto jīvo jīvaṁ vihāya mām
Then, fixed in devotion and serene in mind, the sage should transcend even goodness by remaining indifferent to the modes. Thus freed from the gunas, the soul abandons the cause of bondage and attains Me.
The word nairapekṣyeṇa refers to complete detachment from the modes of material nature. By attachment to the loving service of the Lord, which is completely transcendental, one gives up one’s interest in the modes of nature.
FAQs
In 11.25.35, Kṛṣṇa teaches that even goodness must be surpassed: by peaceful yoga and complete detachment, one becomes free from all guṇas and attains the Lord.
In the Uddhava Gītā (Canto 11), Kṛṣṇa gives His final, intimate guidance to Uddhava on liberation—explaining how to go beyond material nature and reach Him directly.
Practice steady spiritual discipline (bhakti/yoga), reduce dependence on sense pleasure and ego-validation, and cultivate calm discernment—using goodness as a ladder, then letting go of all material identity to focus on God.