🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the concept of detachment (Anasakti). A person of steady wisdom interacts with the material world and its objects, but remains internally untouched by them. He uses the beautiful analogy of aquatic creatures. Just as fish or other water-dwelling animals live in water but their bodies do not get soaked or affected by the wetness in a way that hinders them, a wise person lives in the world of senses without being bound by desires, attachments, or the ego of ownership.

One should use modern comforts like social media or wealth for necessity without becoming addicted or emotionally dependent on them. Example: Using a car for travel without letting the status of the car define your inner happiness.

Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the state of a Sthitaprajna (a person of steady wisdom) who remains detached while living in the material world.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the pinnacle of spiritual achievement. When a seeker realizes the Atman (Self) and merges their identity with it, they transcend the realm of 'doership'. Since such a person finds complete fulfillment within themselves, they no longer seek external results. Consequently, there is no 'duty' left for them to perform for personal gain, as they have already attained the ultimate goal of human life.

In practical life, this teaches us to find internal satisfaction. When you work out of passion and inner joy rather than just for external rewards, the work ceases to be a burden and becomes a natural expression of your being.

Shri Krishna explains the state of a person who has attained self-realization and is free from the bonds of mandatory duties.

Saint Dnyaneshwar illustrates that although desire (Kama) appears invincible and overwhelming, it can be subdued through the power of refined intellect (Buddhi). He employs the metaphor of a mirage—a visual illusion of water in a desert. Just as the illusion of a flood in a mirage vanishes once the reality of the sun's rays hitting the sand is understood, the illusory grip of worldly desires loosens and disappears when the light of spiritual wisdom and discrimination shines through the intellect.

When faced with a strong temptation or an impulsive urge, use your rational mind to analyze its temporary nature. For example, if you feel a sudden urge to procrastinate, use your intellect to remind yourself of the long-term peace that comes from completing your tasks on time.

In the concluding part of Chapter 3, Shri Krishna explains to Arjuna how the intellect can be used to overcome the powerful enemy known as desire (Kama).