Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga - The Yoga of MeditationKrishna
Verse 6
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 6, श्लोक 6
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः।
अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत्॥
Transliteration
Bandhur-Atma-Atmanas-Tasya Yena-Atma-Iva-Atmana Jitah.
Anatmanas-Tu Shatrutve Varteta-Atma-Iva Shatruvat.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
बन्धुःbandhuhfriend
आत्माatmathe self
आत्मनःatmanahof the self
तस्यtasyaof that person
येनyenaby whom
आत्माatmathe self
एवevacertainly
आत्मनाatmanaby the self
जितःjitahconquered
अनात्मनःanatmanahof one who has not conquered the self
तुtubut
शत्रुत्वेshatrutvein enmity
वर्तेतvartetaacts/remains
शत्रुवत्shatruvatlike an enemy
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
जिसने अपने आत्मा (मन) को आत्मा (विवेक) द्वारा जीत लिया है, उसके लिए आत्मा बन्धु है। पर जिसने अपने आप को नहीं जीता, उसके लिए आत्मा शत्रु की भाँति व्यवहार करता है।
English Translation
For one who has conquered the self by the self, the self is a friend. But for one who has not conquered the self, the self acts as an enemy.
Commentary (टीका)
Expanding on the previous verse, Krishna explains when the self becomes a friend and when an enemy. The conquered (disciplined) self is one's greatest ally, supporting spiritual growth and inner peace. The unconquered (undisciplined) self becomes one's worst adversary, leading to self-destructive behavior. This simple yet profound teaching reveals that our relationship with our own mind determines our destiny.