Chapter 6, Verse 5
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् | आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ॥5॥
uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet |
ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ ||
"One should lift up the self by the self and should not let the self sink down; for the self is the only friend of the self, and the self is the only enemy of the self."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 6.5 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 6.5 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This pivotal verse emphasizes radical self-responsibility. Shri Krishna teaches that while external guides (Gurus) can point the way, the actual journey of elevation must be performed by the individual. The 'lower self' (the mind/senses) must be managed by the 'higher self' (the intellect/buddhi). We are our own greatest benefactor when the mind is controlled and our own most dangerous saboteur when it is not. The internal apparatus (Antah Karana) functions as the mind, intellect, chitta, and ego; mastery over these is the key to spiritual and material success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 6.5?
One should lift up the self by the self and should not let the self sink down; for the self is the only friend of the self, and the self is the only enemy of the self.