तरी मी आणि तू। आणि हे नृपनाथ समस्तू। येथ नसू ऐसे नव्हतू। मागांही कधीं॥
"Neither I, nor you, nor these kings, were ever non-existent in the past."
💡 Meaning
It is not that I, you, or these kings did not exist in the past.
तरी मी आणि तू। आणि हे नृपनाथ समस्तू। येथ नसू ऐसे नव्हतू। मागांही कधीं॥
"Neither I, nor you, nor these kings, were ever non-existent in the past."
It is not that I, you, or these kings did not exist in the past.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar interprets Krishna's words regarding the beginningless nature of the soul. He emphasizes that the soul (Atman) transcends time. The physical forms we see are temporary, but the consciousness within has always existed and will continue to exist. This is the fundamental teaching of Sankhya Yoga to remove the fear of death.
This teaching can be applied to overcome the fear of loss. For example, when facing a major life change, remembering that our core identity is beyond physical circumstances provides stability.
Krishna addresses Arjuna's grief by explaining the concept of the eternal soul.
म्हणौनि कर्म सांडिजे । मग नैष्कर्म्य होइजे । हें न घडे गा सहजे । अर्जुना पां ॥
"Therefore, by merely abandoning actions, one does not attain the state of actionlessness; this does not happen so easily, O Arjuna."
Therefore, O Arjuna, it is not possible to achieve the state of actionlessness simply by abandoning actions.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes that the mere physical abandonment of duties (Karma) does not lead to the state of 'Naishkarmya' (freedom from the bonds of action). True renunciation is internal. As long as the ego and the desire for results persist, one remains bound by their actions. One cannot achieve spiritual perfection simply by sitting idle or avoiding responsibilities; it requires the purification of the mind and the dissolution of the sense of doership.
In professional life, quitting a stressful job thinking it will bring peace is often a mistake. True peace comes from performing one's duties with excellence while remaining detached from the outcome (praise or promotion), rather than avoiding the work itself.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains to Arjuna that physical renunciation of actions does not automatically lead to spiritual liberation.
म्हणौनि उचित जे कर्म । आणि आचरतां जे अधर्म । तेथ विवेकें सप्रेम । वर्तत जावें ॥ २२७ ॥
"Therefore, perform that which is appropriate action, ensuring it does not lead to unrighteousness; act therein with discernment and love."
Therefore, perform appropriate duties that do not lead to unrighteousness, acting with discernment and love.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the synthesis of discernment (Viveka) and devotion (Prema) in action. He advises that one should perform only those actions that are appropriate and righteous. The performance should not be mechanical; it must be guided by a clear understanding of right and wrong and executed with a heart full of love or dedication. This balanced approach ensures that action (Karma) does not become a cause of bondage but a path to spiritual liberation.
When working in a professional environment, ensure your actions are ethical (Viveka) and perform your tasks with genuine interest and care (Saprema) rather than just for a paycheck. For example, a teacher should teach not just to finish the syllabus, but with a genuine desire to help students grow.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how a seeker should perform their worldly duties without falling into unrighteousness.