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 कर्मे तरी कीजती। परि तीं कर्तेपणा न येती। जैसे बीजां भाजिलिया न रुजती। तैसे कर्म जाणावे॥
"Therefore, actions are indeed performed, but they do not lead to doership; just as roasted seeds do not sprout, so should those actions be understood."
Therefore, actions are performed, but they do not lead to the sense of doership. Just as roasted seeds do not sprout, so should these actions be understood.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar elucidates the essence of Nishkama Karma (selfless action). He explains that although a wise person engages in various activities, they do not develop a sense of ego or doership. He uses a powerful metaphor: just as seeds, once roasted, lose their ability to sprout and grow into plants, actions performed without the 'I' consciousness and purified by the fire of knowledge do not result in karmic bondage or future births. The action exists physically, but its binding nature is destroyed.
In daily life, perform your duties without the ego of being the sole achiever. For example, while helping someone, do it as a service rather than seeking credit, which keeps the mind peaceful and free from the burden of expectations.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how actions performed without ego do not bind a person, using the metaphor of roasted seeds.
म्हणौनि स्वधर्मु जो विहितु । तोचि अनुष्ठिजे उचितु । जैसा मार्गु हा सुगतु । सांडूं नये ॥ ११० ॥
"Therefore, perform the duty that is ordained; for just as a good path should not be abandoned, so should one's duty be followed."
Therefore, one should perform the duty that is prescribed for them. Just as one should not abandon a good and safe path, one should not leave their own duty.
In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasizes that one should strictly adhere to their prescribed duties (Swadharma). He uses the analogy of a well-trodden, safe path (Sugatu Margu). Just as a traveler should not abandon a safe and known road for an unknown shortcut that might lead to danger, an individual should not abandon their natural duties. Performing one's own duty, even if it seems mundane, is spiritually superior to attempting someone else's duty. This adherence ensures social order and personal spiritual evolution.
In professional life, focusing on your specific role and responsibilities with integrity is your 'Swadharma'. For example, a doctor focusing on healing patients rather than seeking fame follows the 'Sugatu Margu' of their profession.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the importance of following one's innate duty (Swadharma) as the most reliable path to spiritual growth.