🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar advises Arjuna to use his power of discrimination. Since it is impossible for a living being to completely cease all actions due to the influence of nature, the real choice lies in the attitude towards action. One must contemplate whether to physically renounce action or to remain mentally detached while performing it. The Dnyaneshwari emphasizes that performing one's duty without attachment is the true path to liberation.

In daily life, perform your duties without the ego of being the 'doer' and without worrying about the results. For example, a professional should focus on the quality of their work rather than just the promotion or reward.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the necessity of using one's own intellect to decide between renunciation of action and performing action with detachment.

In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasizes that it is impossible for any living being to completely abandon action or remain in a state of total inactivity. Human nature and the physical body are inherently tied to the cycle of action. Even if one tries to sit still, the mind and biological processes continue. Therefore, the focus should not be on escaping work, but on performing one's duties without attachment. True renunciation is not the abandonment of action, but the abandonment of the ego and the desire for results.

In professional life, one cannot simply stop working and expect peace; the mind will still be occupied with thoughts. Instead of trying to avoid work, one should focus on doing their job well and ethically. For example, a doctor cannot stop treating patients and call it 'peace'; their nature and duty require them to act.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the inevitability of action and why total renunciation of work is impossible for a living being.

Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the practice of Nishkama Karma (selfless action). He advises that one should perform actions that are morally right and necessitated by the current situation. The crucial aspect is to abandon the 'motive' or 'desire for results' (Hetu). When an individual performs their duty without ego and without attachment to the outcome, the action becomes a form of worship and does not create new karmic debt.

In professional life, if a task is assigned to you that is part of your duty, focus on doing it with excellence rather than constantly worrying about the promotion or bonus it might bring.

In the commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains to Arjuna the method of performing actions that do not lead to bondage.