🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

Saint Dnyaneshwar uses the metaphor of a tortoise to explain the mastery of a self-realized soul over their senses. Just as a tortoise can withdraw its limbs into its protective shell at will, a person of steady wisdom can withdraw their senses from external objects. This control is not forced but is a natural result of spiritual maturity. When the mind is no longer scattered by external desires, it becomes firmly established in the Self.

In modern life, this can be applied as 'Digital Detox' or focus. For example, while studying or working, consciously putting away your phone to avoid distractions is a form of withdrawing your senses to achieve a goal.

Arjuna asks Krishna about the characteristics of a person with steady wisdom. Krishna explains how such a person controls their senses.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar compares the intellect of a self-realized person to the ocean. The ocean is called 'Saritapati' (the lord of rivers). Despite countless rivers constantly flowing into it, the ocean neither exceeds its boundaries nor does it ever dry up; it remains full and steady. Similarly, a person of steady wisdom remains unaffected by the sensory desires or external circumstances that enter their mind. Their inner peace remains undisturbed regardless of life's ups and downs.

In daily life, practice emotional stability. For example, if you face criticism at work, instead of reacting with anger or sadness, remain calm like the ocean and focus on your duty without losing your mental balance.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the state of a person with steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna) using the metaphor of an ocean.

Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes that action is inevitable in human life. Abandoning action is not the solution to suffering or bondage. Instead, one must master the 'Yukti' or the art of performing actions. When we perform our duties with the right attitude and skill, without being attached to the results, those very actions lead us toward liberation (Moksha) rather than binding us to the cycle of cause and effect.

In a professional setting, if a task seems difficult, the solution is not to quit but to find a more efficient way to handle it. By working skillfully and maintaining focus, one achieves success and mental peace.

In the third chapter of Dnyaneshwari, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the path of action (Karma Yoga) to Arjuna, emphasizing that one should not run away from duties.