🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the power of focused listening (Shravana). He makes a solemn vow that if the audience grants him their undivided attention just once, they will become deserving of all forms of happiness, especially the bliss of self-realization. It highlights that the prerequisite for spiritual growth is a steady and attentive mind.

In modern life, this verse teaches the importance of mindfulness. For instance, in a professional meeting, giving full attention to the speaker leads to better collaboration and successful outcomes.

Saint Dnyaneshwar addresses the assembly of saints and listeners, promising them supreme bliss if they listen to his commentary with focus.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains that a person of steady wisdom remains unmoved by external desires. He uses the analogy of the ocean: even though numerous rivers flow into the ocean, it never overflows or loses its composure. Similarly, a wise person's mind is so deeply rooted in the self that external temptations and sensory objects enter the mind without causing any agitation or disturbance. Only such a person, who is not a slave to their desires, attains true and lasting peace.

In modern life, we are constantly bombarded with distractions and desires. This verse teaches us to be like the ocean—stable and vast—so that external pressures do not break our inner peace. Example: Remaining calm and focused on your work despite social media distractions or criticism.

Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the state of a person with steady wisdom (Sthitaprajna) using the metaphor of an ocean.

Saint Dnyaneshwar illustrates that although desire (Kama) appears invincible and overwhelming, it can be subdued through the power of refined intellect (Buddhi). He employs the metaphor of a mirage—a visual illusion of water in a desert. Just as the illusion of a flood in a mirage vanishes once the reality of the sun's rays hitting the sand is understood, the illusory grip of worldly desires loosens and disappears when the light of spiritual wisdom and discrimination shines through the intellect.

When faced with a strong temptation or an impulsive urge, use your rational mind to analyze its temporary nature. For example, if you feel a sudden urge to procrastinate, use your intellect to remind yourself of the long-term peace that comes from completing your tasks on time.

In the concluding part of Chapter 3, Shri Krishna explains to Arjuna how the intellect can be used to overcome the powerful enemy known as desire (Kama).