🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the essence of Nishkama Karma Yoga. He states that to be free from the bondage of actions, one must use action itself as a tool. Just as a person uses a boat to cross a river and leaves it behind upon reaching the other bank, a seeker should perform prescribed duties without attachment to the results. Such selfless actions purify the mind and eventually lead to liberation from the cycle of karma. Renunciation of action does not mean stopping work, but giving up the sense of 'doership' and the 'craving for results'.

In daily life, perform your duties joyfully without treating them as a burden. For example, if an athlete plays for the love of the game rather than just the obsession with winning, they remain free from the sorrow of defeat and the bondage of the sport.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how to attain the state of actionlessness through the performance of selfless actions.

Dnyaneshwar Maharaj describes the state of a 'Jivanmukta' (one who is liberated while still alive). A person who does not depend on external sensory objects for happiness, but finds eternal bliss within their own soul, is truly enlightened. Such a yogi is illuminated by the light of self-knowledge and attains oneness with the Divine (Brahman) even while residing in the physical body.

Instead of seeking happiness in material objects like gadgets or social validation, practice mindfulness to find peace within. Example: Staying calm and content during a difficult situation by relying on inner strength rather than external comfort.

Lord Krishna explains the characteristics of a liberated soul who finds joy within.

In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj illustrates the internal state of a realized soul. He uses the metaphor of an aquatic creature (like a fish) which finds its true home and absolute rest only in water. Similarly, a person who has attained self-realization finds their ultimate peace and stability only when they are absorbed in the knowledge of the Atman (Self). The external world is like being out of water for them—restless and agitated—while the internal state of self-awareness is their natural, tranquil habitat.

In modern life, this teaches us that true happiness is internal. Example: Instead of seeking relief from work stress through social media, spending five minutes in silent meditation helps one find the 'water' of inner peace.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how a person of steady wisdom finds absolute peace within the Self, using the metaphor of a fish in water.