तरी मी आणि तू। आणि हे नृपनाथ समस्तू। येथ नसू ऐसे नव्हतू। मागांही कधीं॥
"Neither I, nor you, nor these kings, were ever non-existent in the past."
💡 Meaning
It is not that I, you, or these kings did not exist in the past.
तरी मी आणि तू। आणि हे नृपनाथ समस्तू। येथ नसू ऐसे नव्हतू। मागांही कधीं॥
"Neither I, nor you, nor these kings, were ever non-existent in the past."
It is not that I, you, or these kings did not exist in the past.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar interprets Krishna's words regarding the beginningless nature of the soul. He emphasizes that the soul (Atman) transcends time. The physical forms we see are temporary, but the consciousness within has always existed and will continue to exist. This is the fundamental teaching of Sankhya Yoga to remove the fear of death.
This teaching can be applied to overcome the fear of loss. For example, when facing a major life change, remembering that our core identity is beyond physical circumstances provides stability.
Krishna addresses Arjuna's grief by explaining the concept of the eternal soul.
कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः । स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत् ॥
जेथ कर्माचा अकर्मु होय । आणि अकर्मीं कर्मचि आहे । तोचि पैं ओळखावा येथें । ज्ञानिया तो ॥
"He who sees inaction in action and action in inaction, he is wise among men."
One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is truly wise among men.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains that a realized soul understands that even while the body performs actions, the true self remains a non-doer (inaction in action). Conversely, if someone physically stops working but remains mentally attached to the idea of doing, they are still performing action (action in inaction). True wisdom lies in transcending the ego of doership.
Performing your professional duties without the ego of being the 'sole doer', understanding that you are an instrument of a larger process.
Lord Krishna explains the subtle nature of action and inaction to Arjuna, which Dnyaneshwar Maharaj elaborates in this Ovi.
तोचि हा योगु पुरातनु | तुज सांगितला म्यां पूर्णु | जो भक्तु तूं आणि प्राणमित्रु | म्हणऊनि गुह्य ||
"That same ancient Yoga is today declared by Me to thee; for thou art My devotee and My friend; it is a supreme secret."
This same ancient Yoga has been told by Me to you today, because you are My devotee and My dear friend; this is indeed a supreme secret.
In this verse of Dnyaneshwari, Saint Dnyaneshwar interprets Krishna's address to Arjuna. Krishna clarifies that the wisdom He is imparting is not a new invention but the same ancient, eternal Yoga. The reason Arjuna is chosen as the recipient of this 'Guhya' (secret) is his dual qualification: he is a 'Bhakta' (devotee) and a 'Pranamitra' (a friend as dear as life itself). It emphasizes that spiritual secrets are not hidden to be elitist, but because they require a specific frequency of trust and surrender to be understood and assimilated.
In practical life, this teaches us that deep insights and mentorship are earned through loyalty and dedication. For example, a mentor only shares their most valuable professional secrets with an apprentice who shows genuine commitment and trust.
Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna that He is revealing the ancient secret of Yoga to him because of Arjuna's devotion and friendship.