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Shloka 6.5
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् | आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ||६-५||
uddharedātmanātmānaṃ nātmānamavasādayet . ātmaiva hyātmano bandhurātmaiva ripurātmanaḥ ||6-5||
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The Translation

“Let a person elevate themselves by their own mind, and not degrade themselves. For the mind is the friend of the self, and the mind is also the enemy of the self.”

Commentary & Insights

Krishna places the responsibility of spiritual and psychological growth squarely on the individual, highlighting that the mind can act as either a friend or an enemy.

Practical Application
1

When a self-sabotaging thought arises today (e.g., 'I can't do this'), consciously override it with a rational, encouraging statement from your higher Self.

Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
  • In your daily life, is your mind behaving like a supportive friend (encouraging, calm) or a destructive enemy (self-critical, anxious)?
  • How can you take active responsibility to 'elevate yourself' instead of waiting for someone else to save you?

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6.5
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्