तैसे ते कुरुक्षेत्र । जे धर्माचे पवित्र । जेथ आले एकत्र । उभय दळ ॥
"In that manner, on the sacred land of Kurukshetra, both the armies assembled."
💡 Meaning
In that way, on the holy field of Kurukshetra, both the armies gathered together.
तैसे ते कुरुक्षेत्र । जे धर्माचे पवित्र । जेथ आले एकत्र । उभय दळ ॥
"In that manner, on the sacred land of Kurukshetra, both the armies assembled."
In that way, on the holy field of Kurukshetra, both the armies gathered together.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the setting of the Great War. Kurukshetra is referred to as 'Dharmakshetra' (the field of righteousness), signifying that the conflict is not merely physical but a moral struggle between good and evil. The term 'Ubhaya Dala' refers to the two armies—the Pandavas and the Kauravas—who have assembled at this sacred site. This sets the stage for the divine discourse of the Bhagavad Gita within the Dnyaneshwari.
Think of your mind as Kurukshetra whenever you face a moral dilemma. Always choose the path of 'Dharma' or integrity. For example, choosing to work hard instead of taking a shortcut is like winning a battle on your own field of righteousness.
Sanjaya describes the gathering of the two opposing armies on the sacred field of Kurukshetra to King Dhritarashtra.
म्हणोनि संशयापरौतें । पाप नाहीं दुसरें तें । हा विनाशाची हातवटी । निश्चित जाणावी ॥
"Therefore, there is no sin greater than doubt; know it for certain as the way to destruction."
Therefore, there is no sin greater than doubt. Know for certain that doubt is the surest way to destruction.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes that there is no sin more detrimental than doubt. He describes doubt as a 'sure method of destruction.' A mind clouded by doubt loses its ability to discern truth and remains paralyzed, unable to achieve peace or success in either the material or spiritual realms. For a seeker of knowledge, overcoming doubt is essential because it acts as a poison that dissolves faith and determination.
In daily life, avoid harboring doubts about your goals or abilities. Doubt creates mental friction that prevents effective action. For example, if an athlete doubts their training right before a race, their performance will suffer despite their physical fitness.
Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the destructive power of doubt and how it hinders spiritual and worldly progress.
म्हणोनि जे जे उचित । आणि अवसरें प्राप्त । तें कर्म न सांडितां विहित । आचरावें ॥ २३२ ॥
"Therefore, whatever is appropriate and comes to you according to the occasion, perform that prescribed duty without abandoning it."
Therefore, whatever is appropriate and arises according to the occasion, perform that prescribed duty without abandoning it.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar provides practical guidance on Karma Yoga. He emphasizes that one should prioritize actions that are 'Uchit' (morally right) and 'Avasare Prapt' (presented by the current situation). Instead of abandoning prescribed duties (Vihit Karma), one should perform them with complete dedication. True spiritual growth comes from fulfilling the responsibilities that life presents to us at any given moment, rather than seeking to escape them.
In daily life, when a responsibility arises, instead of avoiding it, complete it as your duty for that moment. For example, a student focusing on studies during exams is performing their 'appropriate' and 'timely' duty.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the essence of performing one's duty as per the situation and time.