These, whether manifest or subtle, have the nature of the guṇas.

The temporal characteristics described in the previous sutra, whether vyakta (manifest, present) or sūkṣma (subtle, past or future), share a common nature: they are constituted by the three guṇas.

Sattva (luminosity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia) are the fundamental threads weaving all phenomenal reality. Everything that appears, disappears, or remains latent is a combination of these three qualities.

This means that the entire domain of time, with its past, present, and future manifestations, belongs to prakṛti. The puruṣa, pure consciousness, is beyond the guṇas and therefore beyond time.

Liberation consists in recognizing our identity with puruṣa, which observes the temporal play of guṇas without being affected by it.

As long as we identify with what is made of guṇas, we are subject to time. Upon recognizing our real nature, time loses its binding power.