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Bhagavad Gita 6.5
The traditional text
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
Roman reading aid
uddhared ātmanātmānaṃ nātmānam avasādayet |
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ ||
Meaning in everyday language
Let a person lift oneself by oneself, and not cause oneself to sink. One’s own self can indeed be one’s friend, and one’s own self can be one’s adversary.
Understand the teaching
The repeated word atman takes different shades of meaning in this verse. Commentators discuss the person, the mind and the self in explaining how self-discipline supports spiritual progress. The following verse develops the contrast between a governed and an ungoverned inner life. Read this as an invitation to cultivate helpful capacities, rather than as a verdict on someone’s worth.
A practical reflection asks which habits make a difficult task easier to begin. A clear plan, a realistic first step and asking someone for support can all help. Being a friend to oneself can include accepting help; the verse does not require solitary achievement. Its deeper concern is the orientation of the seeker’s inner life toward liberation.
Words and phrases
- उद्धरेत् (uddharet)
- one should lift or raise
- आत्मना आत्मानम् (ātmanā ātmānam)
- oneself by oneself; interpreted through self and mind
- न अवसादयेत् (na avasādayet)
- should not cause to sink
- बन्धुः (bandhuḥ)
- friend or ally
- रिपुः (ripuḥ)
- adversary
Pause and think
What would a friendly inner response be after making a mistake?
See an explained answer
I can acknowledge the mistake, repair what I can and choose one manageable next step. Asking for guidance can be part of that effort.