Dasbodh

Dasbodh, also spelled Dashbodh, is a Marathi spiritual and philosophical treatise attributed to Samarth Ramdas (1610–1682), a 17th‑century saint and poet. Written as a practical manual for both renunciates and householders, it seeks to guide seekers toward self-realization while upholding ethical conduct and social responsibility.

The work covers a broad range of topics, including the nature of the mind, discipline of the senses, speech and conduct, and principles of wise living. It expounds devotion (bhakti) to a personal deity, the guru–disciple relationship, methods of meditation and contemplation, and the path of surrender to the divine. It also addresses duties toward family, community, rulers, and the vulnerable, emphasizing service and righteous action as part of spiritual practice.

Dasbodh is organized into multiple sections, often described as Sthans, and presents a mix of prose and verse in accessible Marathi. Its style combines direct instruction with practical examples and exhortations, aiming to provide actionable guidance rather than abstract speculation.

Historically composed in the milieu of the Maratha realm, Dasbodh has had a lasting presence in Marathi religious and literary culture. It has inspired commentaries and translations and continues to be studied for its synthesis of inner discipline, devotion, and social duty within a Vedantic and Bhakti framework.