🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this Ovi, Saint Dnyaneshwar interprets Krishna's call to action. The word 'Vokhara' signifies something that is inherently bad or toxic to one's spiritual growth. Krishna addresses Arjuna as 'Dhanurdhara' to remind him of his prowess and duty. He suggests that the grief Arjuna feels is a result of external delusion. By asking him to 'reflect within' (Antara-maji), Krishna points towards the Vedantic truth that the answers to life's greatest dilemmas lie in understanding the eternal nature of the Self, rather than being swayed by transient emotions.

This verse is a practical guide for decision-making. When overwhelmed by emotions like fear or attachment, one should practice 'Antara-vichar' (introspection). For example, if a professional is afraid of taking a necessary risk due to fear of failure, they should look within to find their core strength and discard the 'vokhara' (harmful) doubt.

Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna's state of mental confusion and grief on the battlefield, urging him to look within for clarity.

Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasizes that liberation from the cycle of cause and effect (Karma) is achieved not by abandoning action, but by abandoning the ego of being the 'doer'. When one acts with the realization that they are merely an instrument and not the independent cause of the action, the resulting karma does not bind them. This state of 'Akartapan' (non-doership) ensures that even if the world ends, the individual remains untouched by the chains of their deeds.

In daily life, perform your duties (like studying or working) without ego. For example, if you help someone, do it because it's the right thing to do, not to satisfy your ego or expect a reward. This mindset prevents stress and disappointment.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how a person can remain free from the bondage of actions by relinquishing the ego of being the doer.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains that a person of steady wisdom remains unattached to all worldly objects. Their inner consciousness remains unwavering regardless of external circumstances. Whether they encounter something auspicious or inauspicious, they neither rejoice excessively nor feel hatred or grief. Their mind is perfectly anchored in the Self, making them immune to the dualities of the material world.

In daily life, practicing equanimity means staying calm during both a promotion at work and a personal loss. For example, not letting a negative comment on social media disturb your inner peace while also not becoming arrogant due to praise.

Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the characteristics of a person with steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna).