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.
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर । असक्तो ह्यचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः ॥
म्हणोनि तूं आतां । उचित कर्म पंडुसुता । आचरे पां निभ्रांता । विहित जे ॥ १२७ ॥
"Therefore, perform your prescribed duties, O son of Pandu, with a steady and doubtless mind."
Therefore, O Arjuna, perform your prescribed duties properly and without any doubt in your mind.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the importance of performing one's 'Vihit Karma' (ordained duty). He advises Arjuna to cast away all doubts and perform the actions that are appropriate for his role in society. The core philosophy is that when a person acts without attachment to the results and without mental confusion, the action itself becomes a path to spiritual liberation rather than a cause of bondage.
In professional life, focus on the excellence of your task rather than being distracted by potential rewards or failures. For example, a doctor treating a patient should focus entirely on the treatment as their duty.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains Krishna's advice to Arjuna on performing one's duty without attachment.
म्हणौनि जे जे उचित। आणि अवसरेंकरूनि प्राप्त। तें कर्म न सांडितां निभ्रांत। आचरावें॥
"Therefore, whatever is appropriate and comes by occasion, perform that action certainly without abandoning it."
Therefore, whatever duty is appropriate and comes to you according to the situation, perform that action certainly without any doubt and without abandoning it.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the essence of Karma Yoga. He advises that one should perform actions that are 'Ucita' (morally and logically right) and 'Prapta' (those that come naturally as a duty due to time and situation). One should not abandon these duties out of confusion or laziness. Instead, they should be performed 'Nibhranta'—with total conviction and without any mental conflict. This teaching aligns with the Gita's core message of performing one's 'Swadharma' (personal duty) without attachment to the results.
In professional life, if a task falls under your responsibility and is necessary for the project's success, you should execute it diligently without questioning 'why me?', as it is your 'Prapta Karma' (duty at hand).
In the context of explaining how a wise person should act in the world to set an example for others, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasizes performing one's natural duties.