🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes that one should not abandon their duties. He suggests that any action which is morally right and comes to a person naturally through circumstances should be performed with conviction. True renunciation is not the abandonment of action itself, but the abandonment of the ego and the desire for results while performing the action.

In daily life, if a task is assigned to you as your responsibility (like a student's duty to study), instead of procrastinating or doubting its importance, one should complete it with full dedication as a form of service.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the necessity of performing one's natural and situational duties as a path to spiritual growth.

Saint Dnyaneshwar describes Arjuna's mental state in this verse. Just as the brilliant sun becomes invisible when thick clouds gather in the sky, Arjuna's valor and discernment are hidden under the clouds of delusion. Arjuna is inherently wise and brave, but his intellect has become clouded due to the attachment (moha) towards his kinsmen at the onset of war.

When we make wrong decisions by being overwhelmed by emotions in a difficult situation, we should reflect on this verse. For example, feeling despondent after failing an exam is like clouds of delusion covering our self-confidence.

Sanjaya describes Arjuna's state of mind to King Dhritarashtra at the beginning of the second chapter.

Dnyaneshwar Maharaj explains that for a person established in self-knowledge, every action performed through the body becomes 'Akarma' (non-action). Since the ego of being the 'doer' is destroyed by knowledge, the results of these actions do not attach to the individual. Just as a roasted seed cannot sprout, knowledge-infused action does not lead to the cycle of birth and death.

Perform your duties without the ego of being the sole doer. For example, a doctor treating a patient should focus on the service rather than personal glory to remain mentally peaceful and free from stress.

Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how a realized soul remains untouched by the consequences of their actions.