Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.5
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् । आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥५॥
uddharedātmanātmānaṃ nātmānamavasādayet | ātmaiva hyātmano bandhurātmaiva ripurātmanaḥ ||5||
Complete Shloka Translation
One should lift oneself by oneself and not let oneself sink. For oneself alone is one's friend, and oneself alone is one's enemy.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| उद्धरेत् | uddharet | one should elevate / lift up |
| आत्मना | ātmanā | by the purified mind / self |
| आत्मानम् | ātmānam | the self / one’s own soul |
| न | na | not / never |
| आत्मानम् | ātmānam | oneself |
| अवसादयेत् | avasādayet | degrade / allow to sink into despair |
| आत्मा एव | ātmā eva | the mind alone indeed |
| हि | hi | certainly |
| आत्मनः | ātmanaḥ | of the individual |
| बन्धुः | bandhuḥ | closest friend and ally |
| आत्मा एव | ātmā eva | the self alone |
| रिपुः | ripuḥ | deadly enemy and destroyer |
| आत्मनः | ātmanaḥ | of one’s own self |
one should elevate / lift up
by the purified mind / self
the self / one’s own soul
not / never
oneself
degrade / allow to sink into despair
the mind alone indeed
certainly
of the individual
closest friend and ally
the self alone
deadly enemy and destroyer
of one’s own self
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Atman carries contextual senses of oneself and the inner faculty here. The next verse explains this friendship through self-mastery, not isolation from help.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"The way we cultivate our inner life can support or hinder our efforts."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What inner habit would help you become a better ally to yourself?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master mental clarity and resilience: when your mind wanders into anxiety or distraction, gently bring it back without judgment, maintaining balance in food, sleep, work, and mindful reflection.