🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar interprets Krishna's guidance to Arjuna regarding the inevitability of change. He explains that everything in the material world is bound by the cycle of 'Adi' (beginning) and 'Antu' (end). Since this cycle is the inherent nature of existence, grieving over the inevitable destruction of the physical form is considered an act of ignorance. The verse encourages a seeker to maintain mental equanimity by accepting the transient nature of life.

This teaching can be applied when dealing with loss or transitions in life. For example, when a phase of life ends, instead of being paralyzed by sorrow, one should accept it as a natural progression and move forward with duty.

Lord Krishna explains the transient nature of the physical world and advises Arjuna to overcome his grief by understanding the law of nature.

Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the philosophy of selfless action. He argues that since no living being can remain absolutely inactive, the path to liberation lies not in the renunciation of work, but in the renunciation of the desire for its fruits. By performing one's natural duties (Swadharma) as an offering to the Divine, without the egoistic expectation of a specific outcome, an individual remains free from the psychological and karmic burdens of action. This verse serves as a direct instruction to Arjuna to engage in his duty as a warrior without being paralyzed by the consequences.

Focus on the process and quality of your work rather than obsessing over the reward. For example, a professional should focus on solving a problem effectively for a client rather than just worrying about the payment or praise, which ultimately leads to better performance and peace of mind.

In the commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains to Arjuna that performing one's duty is essential, but it must be done without attachment to the results.

Dnyaneshwar Maharaj elaborates on the psychological chain reaction where anger leads to delusion, and delusion leads to the loss of memory. Memory here refers to the awareness of one's true nature and moral values. When this memory is lost, the 'Buddhi' (intellect) which distinguishes right from wrong is destroyed. He uses the metaphor of a sunset to describe this state; just as the world becomes dark and dangerous after the sun sets, a person without intellect loses their way and eventually perishes.

In professional life, if you let anger take over during a meeting, you might forget the professional etiquette and long-term goals (loss of memory), leading to a poor decision that ruins your career (destruction of intellect). Practicing mindfulness helps prevent this chain reaction.

In the sequence of spiritual downfall, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj explains how the loss of memory leads to the total destruction of a person's discriminative faculty.