🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar advises Arjuna to use his power of discrimination. Since it is impossible for a living being to completely cease all actions due to the influence of nature, the real choice lies in the attitude towards action. One must contemplate whether to physically renounce action or to remain mentally detached while performing it. The Dnyaneshwari emphasizes that performing one's duty without attachment is the true path to liberation.

In daily life, perform your duties without the ego of being the 'doer' and without worrying about the results. For example, a professional should focus on the quality of their work rather than just the promotion or reward.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the necessity of using one's own intellect to decide between renunciation of action and performing action with detachment.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar captures the pivotal moment of Arjuna's internal conflict. As he looks upon the Kaurava army, he doesn't see faceless enemies but his own 'Gotraja' (kinsmen). Seeing his grandfather Bhishma and teacher Drona—figures of immense respect—standing against him, Arjuna's resolve begins to waver. This highlights how emotional bonds can obscure one's path of righteousness (Dharma).

When faced with a choice between personal loyalty and professional integrity, one must learn to see beyond emotional ties to uphold justice. For example, a judge must remain impartial even if a relative is involved in a case.

Arjuna asks Krishna to place the chariot between the two armies to see who he must fight. Upon looking, he realizes he is facing his own family.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar uses the metaphor of a tortoise to describe the mastery a wise person has over their senses. A tortoise has the natural ability to retract its limbs into its hard shell whenever it senses danger or chooses to rest. Similarly, a person of steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna) can effortlessly withdraw their senses from worldly objects and temptations. This is not a forced suppression but a natural result of inner spiritual strength and realization.

In modern life, when you are trying to focus on a goal but are tempted by distractions like social media, practice the 'tortoise technique' by consciously withdrawing your attention from the distraction and pulling it back to your purpose.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the characteristics of a person with steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna), focusing on sense control.