🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar illustrates the concept of Maya (illusion) and the non-doership of the Self (Atman). He uses the metaphor of a person traveling in a boat. To the passenger, the stationary trees on the riverbank appear to be moving in the opposite direction. However, the movement belongs to the boat, not the trees. Similarly, all actions are performed by the body and the modes of nature (Prakriti), but the ignorant person attributes these actions to the Soul. One who believes the Soul is the actor is considered deluded, as the Soul remains a silent, stationary witness to all activities.

This teaching helps us understand that our perceptions can be deceptive. For instance, when we are stressed, the world seems chaotic, but the chaos is often in our minds, not in the world itself. Recognizing this helps us stay calm and objective.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the concept of non-doership of the soul using the analogy of a moving boat.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar elaborates on the philosophy of Nishkama Karma. He advises Arjuna that while performing one's prescribed duties is mandatory, harboring a desire for the specific outcome is a spiritual hindrance. True liberation comes not from the cessation of work, but from the cessation of the egoistic desire for rewards. By focusing entirely on the action itself and surrendering the results to the Divine, a person remains untouched by the bondage of Karma.

In professional life, focus on the quality of your work rather than obsessing over the promotion. For example, a doctor should focus on treating the patient to the best of their ability without being distracted by the fame or fee they might receive.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains Lord Krishna's teaching on why one must perform their duty without being attached to the results.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the importance of mental stability and clarity. He advises Arjuna not to be misled by worldly illusions or emotional confusion regarding life and death. By asking him to let the 'Vicharu' (right thought) stabilize in his 'Chitta' (consciousness), he points towards the state of 'Sthitaprajna'—a person of steady wisdom who is not shaken by external circumstances.

In daily life, when faced with overwhelming emotions or conflicting choices, one should pause and return to core truths. Example: If a student is anxious about results, they should stabilize their mind with the thought that they have worked hard and the outcome is a learning step, rather than being paralyzed by fear.

After explaining the nature of the soul and the body, Saint Dnyaneshwar (as Krishna's voice) tells Arjuna to stop being confused and let the truth settle in his heart.