🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar provides a detailed account of the people Arjuna sees on the battlefield. It is not just an anonymous army; it consists of his mentors like Dronacharya, his younger cousins, paternal uncles, and other highly respected elders. Seeing those he should be bowing to in a position where he must kill them creates the profound 'Vishad' (sorrow/despair) that the chapter is named after. This highlights the human struggle when personal reverence clashes with the grim reality of duty.

In professional or social life, we may encounter situations where we must challenge or compete against people we respect or are related to. This verse teaches us to acknowledge these relationships while preparing for the necessary action. Example: A journalist reporting fairly on a mentor's mistake.

Arjuna identifies his teachers, uncles, and elders on the battlefield, intensifying his emotional struggle.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the importance of mental clarity in performing one's duty. He tells Arjuna to abandon all 'Vivanchana' (mental deliberations or doubts) that hinder action. The essence of Karma Yoga is to be 'Savadhu' (alert and mindful) while performing 'Swadharma' (one's own duty). By being fully present in the task at hand, one transcends the anxieties of the results.

In professional life, instead of worrying about promotions or competition, focusing entirely on the quality of your current project is the application of this teaching.

Saint Dnyaneshwar advises Arjuna to stop overthinking and focus on his inherent duty.

In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj describes the characteristics of a liberated soul. One who has given up the 'bait' or craving for the results of their actions and remains perpetually satisfied in the bliss of the Self is truly free. Such a person does not depend on external objects for happiness. Even though they may be seen performing various duties in the world, because they lack the ego of being the 'doer', their actions do not bind them. Their activity is essentially 'non-action' (Akarma).

Focus on the process of your work rather than obsessing over the outcome. For example, a professional should focus on providing value through their work rather than just focusing on the promotion or salary.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the state of a person who has attained self-realization and acts without attachment to the results.