Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 5 Meaning

One should raise oneself by one's own self alone; let not one lower oneself; for the self alone is one's own friend, and the self alone is one's own enemy.

BG 6.5

उद्धरेदात्मनाऽऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्। आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः

uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ

Meaning

One should raise oneself by one's own self alone; let not one lower oneself; for the self alone is one's own friend, and the self alone is one's own enemy.

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: One should raise oneself by one's own self alone; let not one lower oneself; for the self alone is one's own friend, and the self alone is one's own enemy.

In The Yoga of Meditation (Dhyana Yoga), Krishna explains Detailed instructions on meditation, controlling the mind, and achieving inner stillness.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

Detailed instructions on meditation, controlling the mind, and achieving inner stillness.

Key themes in this chapter include Meditation, Mind control, Self-discipline.

When to Apply This Verse

•When you need steadiness while dealing with meditation
•When practicing mind control amid uncertainty
•When applying self-discipline to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 6.5?

One should raise oneself by one's own self alone; let not one lower oneself; for the self alone is one's own friend, and the self alone is one's own enemy. This verse emphasizes meditation with clarity and purpose.

How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 6.5 in daily life?

Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on mind control and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 6.1

The Blessed Lord said: He who performs his bounden duty without depending on the fruits of his actions—he is a sannyasi and a yogi, not he who is without fire and without action.

BG 6.6

The Self is the friend of the self of him by whom the Self has been conquered; but to the unconquered self, this Self stands in the position of an enemy, like an external foe.

BG 1.1

Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"