🕉️Sanskrit Subhashit

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the majestic presence of Bhishma Pitamaha. Despite being the eldest in the Kuru clan, his spirit remained as fierce as a lion. To encourage Duryodhana and signal the commencement of the battle, he blew his conch with tremendous power. This act signifies the roar of a warrior who is ready to fulfill his duty regardless of the outcome.

When initiating a significant task, one should act with the confidence and clarity of a leader. Example: Starting a new project by clearly communicating the vision to the team to inspire them.

Sanjaya describes the scene on the battlefield to King Dhritarashtra, specifically the moment Bhishma Pitamaha signals the start of the war.

In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar compares a self-realized soul to the ocean. The ocean is inherently full and complete. During the monsoon, countless streams and rivers flow into it, yet the ocean never exceeds its boundaries or loses its composure. Similarly, even if sensory pleasures or external circumstances approach a wise person, they do not disturb his inner peace. He remains anchored in his true self, unaffected by the influx of worldly desires.

Maintain emotional stability in both success and failure. For example, if you receive a promotion, don't become arrogant, and if you face a loss, don't lose hope; stay composed like the ocean.

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

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.