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The Genius of Dnyaneshwar
Even the moon will be snatched Like a ball, from the sky For Arjun to play Such love and generosity He will display (Shrikrishna) …606 In fact Arjun opens this fifth chapter of the Geeta by asking a question What is best I still don’t get Should I engage the world Or just contemplate …607 And adds I want to stretch and relax And enjoy blissful sleep In a palanquin19 Yet overnight I must cross many a mile …608 Arjun wants to wade through the bog20 of this world and yet wants to avoid the mud. He wants to protect his mind from turmoil yet be active in this world. The bearers of the palanquin will be his body while the palanquin will cross the rivers of mental strife. Shrikrishna responds by saying That this world you engage By dint of your work Or you disengage From this world and your work And contemplate Both are of equal worth …609 But Shrikrishna makes it quite clear what he thinks is better, particularly for a man burdened with the complexities of the world. He compares man to a woman and child. For a woman and a child A boat as a choice When the waters are deep Is the better choice …610