🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar uses the metaphor of a painting on a cloth to describe the nature of existence. The 'Mind' is the canvas (patu) upon which the 'World' (Samsara) is painted as a picture. As long as the mind exists, the illusion of the world persists. When the canvas of the mind is 'torn' through spiritual wisdom and detachment, the veil of ignorance (bhramache patala) is lifted. This allows the seeker to perceive the underlying reality of the Atman (Self), which was previously hidden by mental projections.

In daily life, our stress and anxieties are often just 'pictures' created by our mind. For example, if you are afraid of public speaking, that fear is a mental projection. By practicing mindfulness and 'tearing' that mental cloth of fear, you realize your innate confidence and the reality of the situation.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how the dissolution of the mind leads to the removal of illusion and the realization of the Self.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the necessity of adhering to one's 'Swadharma' (personal duty). Arjuna is caught in a moral dilemma, feeling that fighting his kin is wrong. However, the teaching points out that for a warrior on the battlefield, fighting for justice is the only 'Uchita' (appropriate) action. Abandoning this duty out of emotional delusion is 'Anuchita' (inappropriate). It teaches us that true integrity lies in performing our designated roles with courage rather than escaping them under the guise of false compassion.

In daily life, we often face situations where we want to quit our responsibilities because they are difficult or emotionally taxing. For example, a student must study for exams even if they feel stressed, because that is their 'Uchita' duty. Avoiding the exam would be 'Anuchita'.

Lord Krishna, through Dnyaneshwar's commentary, advises Arjuna not to be swayed by delusion and to stick to his righteous duty as a warrior.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar uses the metaphor of the moon to describe a self-realized soul. Just as the moon is inherently cool and provides soothing light to everyone without any selfish motive, a wise person is free from all personal desires. Because they have found complete satisfaction within their own soul, they remain calm and fulfilled in every situation, radiating peace to the world.

In daily life, reducing our dependency on external results leads to inner stability. For example, working with dedication but without being anxious about the reward makes one's mind as calm as the moon.

Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the state of a person who has attained steady wisdom and is free from worldly desires.