🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the pinnacle of spiritual realization: Equanimity. He tells Arjuna that those who perceive the same Divine essence in every being transcend the limitations of the physical body. Although they appear to be ordinary humans (embodied), their consciousness is merged with the Supreme Brahman. They are 'Jivanmuktas'—liberated while still alive, as they have conquered the cycle of birth and death through their vision of oneness.

Practice treating everyone with equal respect regardless of their status or background. For example, helping a stranger with the same sincerity as you would help a close friend, recognizing the same life force in both.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the exalted state of those who have achieved perfect equanimity of mind.

In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasizes that it is impossible for any living being to completely abandon action or remain in a state of total inactivity. Human nature and the physical body are inherently tied to the cycle of action. Even if one tries to sit still, the mind and biological processes continue. Therefore, the focus should not be on escaping work, but on performing one's duties without attachment. True renunciation is not the abandonment of action, but the abandonment of the ego and the desire for results.

In professional life, one cannot simply stop working and expect peace; the mind will still be occupied with thoughts. Instead of trying to avoid work, one should focus on doing their job well and ethically. For example, a doctor cannot stop treating patients and call it 'peace'; their nature and duty require them to act.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the inevitability of action and why total renunciation of work is impossible for a living being.

In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj elucidates that once a seeker attains the direct experience (Pratiti) of the Self, the dualities of action and inaction (Karma-Akarma) cease to bind them. The realization that the true Self is a non-doer dissolves the ego. Consequently, even while engaged in worldly activities, the enlightened soul remains as detached as a lotus leaf in water, unaffected by the results of their deeds because the fire of knowledge has consumed the binding nature of karma.

Perform your daily duties with excellence but without the ego of being the sole 'doer'. For example, a student who studies hard but remains calm regardless of the result, focusing on the knowledge gained rather than just the marks, practices this detachment.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how a self-realized person remains untouched by the bonds of karma through the power of spiritual experience.