🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar provides a profound analogy of the ocean to describe the equanimity of a realized soul. Just as the ocean is constantly filled by rivers flowing into it from all sides but remains undisturbed and maintains its boundaries, a person of steady wisdom remains unperturbed by the constant influx of sensory objects and desires. Their inner fulfillment is so absolute that external stimuli do not create any waves of agitation in their consciousness. They remain centered in their true self, regardless of the environment.

In a world full of distractions and consumerism, one should strive to be like the ocean. For example, when faced with peer pressure to adopt a lifestyle that doesn't align with your values, stay firm and calm in your principles rather than being swept away by the trend.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the state of a person with steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna) using the metaphor of an ocean.

In this verse, Arjuna expresses a deep moral crisis. He argues that the very purpose of seeking power and wealth (kingdom) is to enjoy it with loved ones. If those loved ones are killed in the process of acquiring that power, the victory becomes hollow and bitter. This reflects the 'Vishad' (despair) where personal attachment clouds the sense of 'Dharma' (duty). Dnyaneshwar Maharaj captures this sentiment of Arjuna's attachment which makes him renounce even the highest worldly gains.

It teaches us to evaluate the cost of our success. If success comes at the cost of destroying relationships or ethical values, it may not bring true happiness. Example: Choosing a career path that doesn't force you to betray your integrity or family values.

Arjuna is overwhelmed by grief seeing his relatives on the battlefield and questions the purpose of a victory achieved by killing them.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar uses the metaphor of a tortoise to describe the mastery a wise person has over their senses. A tortoise has the natural ability to retract its limbs into its hard shell whenever it senses danger or chooses to rest. Similarly, a person of steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna) can effortlessly withdraw their senses from worldly objects and temptations. This is not a forced suppression but a natural result of inner spiritual strength and realization.

In modern life, when you are trying to focus on a goal but are tempted by distractions like social media, practice the 'tortoise technique' by consciously withdrawing your attention from the distraction and pulling it back to your purpose.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the characteristics of a person with steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna), focusing on sense control.