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.
जेणें विषयांचें नांव न घेइजे । आणि इंद्रियांसीं नियमिजे । तें सांख्य ह्मणूनि जाणिजे । अर्जुना पां ॥ २७ ॥
"That path where sense-objects are not even named, and the senses are controlled, know that to be Sankhya, O Arjuna."
That path in which the name of sense objects is not even mentioned and the senses are strictly controlled is known as Sankhya, O Arjuna.
In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj defines the essence of Sankhya Yoga. It is a state of consciousness where the seeker has transcended the desire for worldly pleasures to such an extent that even the thought of them does not arise. By employing discrimination (Viveka), the seeker regulates the senses and directs the mind inward. This internal discipline is the hallmark of a true Sankhya yogi.
In modern life, practicing a 'digital detox' by consciously avoiding the urge to check social media notifications to focus on meaningful work is a practical application of this principle.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the characteristics of the path of knowledge (Sankhya) and the necessity of sense control.
हे शब्दब्रह्म अशेषा । जेथूनि प्रसवले सुवेषा । तेथूनि हे मतिलेषा । लाभु जाहला ॥ २३ ॥
"From where the entire Shabdabrahma (Vedas) manifested in a beautiful form, from that same source, this trace of intellect has gained its light."
From where the entire Vedas emerged in a beautiful form, from that same source, my intellect has received this small benefit of wisdom.
In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj acknowledges the divine origin of all knowledge. He states that the entire 'Shabdabrahma' (the Vedas or the ultimate word) has manifested from the Supreme Reality or the Guru. He humbly suggests that his own intellect (mati) has received only a tiny drop (lesha) from that vast ocean of wisdom, which is enabling him to compose this great work. It highlights the Vedantic view that individual intelligence is merely a reflection of the Universal Intelligence.
Practice intellectual humility by recognizing that your talents and insights are part of a larger collective or divine wisdom. Example: When achieving a breakthrough at work, acknowledge the foundational knowledge provided by your mentors and predecessors.
In the introductory verses of Dnyaneshwari, Saint Dnyaneshwar pays homage to the source of all wisdom, attributing his poetic inspiration to the same divine source that created the Vedas.