The verse
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् ।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ॥ ५ ॥
uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ
nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur
ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ
Meaning · paraphrased
Krishna urges us to lift ourselves through the mind rather than let it lead us downward. The mind can support our growth as a friend, or obstruct it as an enemy.
A reflection for daily life
In this teaching on yoga, inner discipline helps free us from attachment. Notice which thoughts guide you toward clarity and which pull you into habits that diminish you.
Today’s practice
Notice one recurring unhelpful thought. Pause, then choose one small action that supports clarity rather than feeding the habit.
Sanskrit and transliteration checked against Vedabase: Bhagavad Gita 6.5. English meaning is our paraphrase; the headline, reflection and practice are editorial applications.