🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj elaborates on the mechanics of perception. He compares the senses to 'gates' (Dware). The mind reaches out to the external world (Vishaya) through these gates. This outward flow is called 'Pravrutti'. For a seeker of truth, understanding this mechanism is crucial to prevent the mind from being enslaved by external stimuli. It is the first step toward achieving the state of a Sthitaprajna (a person of steady wisdom) by recognizing how the senses naturally gravitate towards their objects.

When you feel a sudden urge to check your phone after hearing a notification, recognize that your 'ear-gate' has let in a 'sound-object' which is now driving your 'tendency'. By being aware of this process, you can choose to stay focused on your current task.

Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the mechanism of how the senses interact with external objects and create worldly tendencies.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes that 'Naishkarmya' (the state of being free from the bondage of actions) cannot be achieved simply by ceasing to perform physical actions. True liberation is an internal state of detachment. As long as the ego and desire for results exist, physical renunciation is superficial. One must learn to act without being bound by the fruits of those actions, as nature itself compels every living being to act in some form or another.

In modern life, quitting a job or leaving family responsibilities doesn't guarantee peace of mind if the mind is still full of desires. The practical approach is to perform your duties efficiently while remaining mentally detached from the stress of the final outcome.

Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna that physical renunciation of work is not the same as spiritual freedom from the bonds of action.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the eternal nature of the Soul. Unlike the physical body which undergoes birth, growth, decay, and death, the Soul is 'Ajanma' (unborn) and 'Avinashi' (indestructible). It is described as 'Nitya Nutan' (ever-fresh), meaning it is not affected by the passage of time. It exists beyond the concepts of beginning and end. Even when the body is destroyed, the soul remains untouched.

Understanding that our true self is eternal helps reduce the fear of death and provides stability during the loss of loved ones. For example, just as we change old clothes for new ones, the soul merely changes bodies, so one should not grieve for the indestructible.

Lord Krishna explains the indestructible nature of the soul to Arjuna, and Saint Dnyaneshwar elaborates on this in Marathi.