Guides · Courage · Relationships · Self-worth · Growth
Bhagavad Gita 6.5
You can be your own friend. The way you speak to yourself can lift you, or pull you down.
Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 6, Verse 5
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ
Translation
Lift yourself up by your own self; do not let yourself sink down. For the self alone is the friend of the self, and the self alone is its enemy.
हिन्दी भावार्थ
मनुष्य को अपने द्वारा अपना उद्धार करना चाहिए, स्वयं को गिरने नहीं देना चाहिए। क्योंकि मनुष्य स्वयं ही अपना मित्र है और स्वयं ही अपना शत्रु।
In simple words Interpretation
You can be your own friend. The way you speak to yourself can lift you, or pull you down.
Context
One of the Gita's most personal teachings: the relationship you have with yourself shapes everything else.
When this may help
When your inner voice is harsh, or you feel you need to find strength from within.
Reflection question
If you spoke to yourself today like a good friend would, what would you say?
A small practice
Each time you notice harsh self-talk today, add one kinder sentence after it.
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