🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes that to attain the 'Brahmi' state (the state of ultimate consciousness), one must relinquish 'Dehabhava' or body-consciousness. As long as an individual identifies solely with the physical body and its desires, they remain bound by duality. Once this identification is shed through wisdom, the seeker becomes one with the Supreme Reality (Parabrahman) without any doubt. This is the pinnacle of spiritual evolution.

In daily life, we often get overly attached to our physical appearance or social status. Practicing detachment from these external identities helps in achieving mental peace. Example: During times of physical illness, reminding oneself that the inner self is eternal while the body is temporary helps reduce mental suffering.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the ultimate state of a realized soul (Sthitaprajna) at the conclusion of the second chapter.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar highlights a profound psychological truth about human action. Usually, every 'Sankalpa' (resolution or intent to act) is immediately followed by 'Asha' (hope or expectation of a specific result). Dnyaneshwar says that if the 'footsteps of hope' do not follow the resolution, then the very concept of karma (as a binding force) ceases to exist. When the ego of being the doer and the attachment to the fruit are removed, the action becomes 'Akarma' (non-action), meaning it no longer creates any bondage for the soul.

In professional life, focus on the execution of a project (resolution) rather than obsessing over the promotion or reward (hope). For example, a doctor treating a patient should focus on the treatment process rather than the fame or fee, which leads to selfless service.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the state of a person who performs actions without being bound by them, emphasizing the removal of desire from intent.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar elucidates the principle of detachment in action. He suggests that while one must perform their duties, they should view themselves as distinct from the action itself, avoiding the ego of doership. He employs the classic metaphor of the lotus leaf (Padmapatra), which exists in water but remains untouched and unwetted by it. Similarly, a realized soul engages in worldly activities but remains untainted by the results or the worldly attachments associated with those actions.

In professional life, give your 100% effort to a project, but do not let the outcome define your inner peace. For example, staying composed during both a promotion and a setback is practicing the 'lotus leaf' approach to work.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how a wise person performs actions without being bound by them, using the metaphor of a lotus leaf.