Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 5

English Translation

One must elevate oneself by one's own mind, and not degrade oneself. The mind alone is the friend of the self, and the mind alone is the enemy of the self.

Detailed Commentary

The phrase 'Uddharedātmanātmānam' signifies self-upliftment through the self. This means to elevate oneself above the body, senses, mind, and similar elements. One must rise even above the perceived 'I'-ness, as all these are functions of Prakriti, not one's true Self. The true Self is one with Bhagavān, while the body and 'I'-ness are associated with Prakriti. If one understands liberation through the aid of the body and mind, how will one relinquish inertness (jaḍatā)? The association with inertness is bondage. For the attainment of Bhagavān, the body and mind are not required; the Real is attained through the relinquishment of the unreal. In the previous verse, it was stated that one must rise above actions and volitions. Every substance has a beginning and an end, but the Self does not. The Self always remains constant. Not getting entangled in changing substances is indeed liberation. Every human being possesses the power of discrimination (vichāraśakti), which makes liberation possible. The sādhaqa of Jñānayoga uses this power of discrimination to separate the inert from the conscious and abides in the conscious. The sādhaqa of Bhaktiyoga attains liberation by connecting themselves with Bhagavān. The sādhaqa of Karmayoga achieves abiding in their true Self by serving the world. Thus, liberation is possible through every Yoga. For liberation, understand that 'I' am not the body, because the body changes, and I am constant. The body is beyond my control. Also, this body is not for me, because desires are not fully met. If the body were truly for me, no desire would remain. The body changes, I do not. There is freedom in forming and breaking these connections. If one does not form new connections, liberation is inherently possible. Connections are dropping away on their own; simply accept them. Liberation through the Self is possible. 'Nātmānamavasādayet' means not to connect oneself with changing substances. Do not consider yourself great, nor subjugate yourself to those things. 'Ātmaiva hyātmano bandhuḥ' states that there is no better companion than oneself. You do not need anyone else for your liberation. Nor can any person or circumstance truly be a friend until you believe in yourself. 'Ātmaiva ripurātmanaḥ' means that you become your own enemy when you do not help yourself. The constituents of Prakriti are not capable of harming you. When we consider our body as our own, we ourselves establish enmity. Connection: In the previous verse, Bhagavān stated that the Self is both friend and enemy. The answer to this is explained in the subsequent verse.