The highest state of imperturbability arises from the experience of the true self; in this state even the basic elements of nature lose their power over us. || 16||

Verse 16

तत्परं पुरुषख्यातेः गुणवैतृष्ण्यम् ॥१६॥

tatparaṁ puruṣa-khyāteḥ guṇa-vaitr‌ṣṇyam ॥16॥

tat = this

param = ultimate, highest, purest

purusha = pure awareness

khyateh = clear seeing

guña = fundamental qualities of nature

vaitrshñyam = without wanting or attachment

When the ultimate level of desirelessness has been reached, pure awareness can clearly see itself as independent from the fundamental qualities of nature (the 3 gunas- Sattva, rajas and tamas).

The highest state of imperturbability arises from the experience of the true self; in this state even the basic elements of nature lose their power over us. || 16||

PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS