🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the equanimity of a realized soul. A person of steady wisdom does not complain or express grief through their speech when faced with suffering. Similarly, they do not become overly excited or arrogant when they encounter happiness or success. Their internal state remains undisturbed by external circumstances, maintaining a profound silence and balance in both pleasure and pain.

In professional life, staying calm during a project failure (sorrow) and remaining humble after receiving a major award (joy) is the practical application of this teaching.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the characteristics of a person with steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna) who remains unaffected by the dualities of life.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes that following one's own inherent duty (Swadharma) is the highest form of spiritual practice. He argues that even if our duty seems difficult, flawed, or less glamorous than someone else's, it is still the only path to true welfare. Imitating others' duties is dangerous because it goes against one's natural disposition (Prakriti). True liberation comes from performing one's assigned role with dedication, regardless of the perceived difficulty.

In modern career choices, people often chase high-paying jobs that don't suit their talents, leading to burnout. This verse teaches us to stick to our natural strengths and responsibilities (Swadharma), even if the path is tough, rather than blindly following a trend that isn't meant for us.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the concept of Swadharma (one's own duty) as part of the commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the moment Bhishma Pitamaha, the commander of the Kaurava army, roared like a lion to boost the morale of his troops. He then blew his mighty conch shell with such force that the sound reverberated throughout the sky, signaling the imminent start of the great war. It represents the power and authority of the elders in the battlefield.

This teaches us to announce our intentions with confidence when starting a significant task. Example: Starting a new project with a clear and bold declaration of goals to inspire others.

The scene at Kurukshetra where Bhishma Pitamaha signals the start of the battle by blowing his conch.