विवेचन सारांश

The Foundations of Spiritual Readiness: Arjuna’s Initial Struggle

This verse marks the beginning of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, a critical turning point where Lord Krishna begins to address Arjuna’s profound despondency and moral dilemma.

Sanjaya Uvacha: "Sanjaya said" - Sanjaya is narrating what he sees on the battlefield to King Dhritarashtra. This framing device serves to keep the king informed of the events as they unfold.

Taṁ tathā kṛipayāviṣṭam: "Seeing Arjuna full of compassion" - Arjuna is overwhelmed with a sense of compassion. The word 'kṛipā' (compassion) here denotes Arjuna's emotional state, showing his deep concern for the lives that would be lost in the battle.

Aśru-pūrṇākulekṣaṇam: "His eyes brimming with tears" - Arjuna is described as having eyes filled with tears, highlighting the depth of his emotional turmoil and his reluctance to engage in combat against his kin.

Viṣīdantam: "Sorrowful" - Arjuna is not only compassionate but also sorrowful and despondent, feeling a profound sense of hopelessness and confusion about his duty.

Idaṁ vākyam uvāca Madhusūdanaḥ: "Madhusudana, Krishna, spoke the following words" - Krishna, known here as Madhusudana (a name symbolizing his victory over the demon Madhu), begins to speak to Arjuna. Krishna's role is pivotal as he starts to address Arjuna's inner turmoil and guide him towards his duty (dharma), aiming to dispel Arjuna’s despondency just as He killed the demon Madhu.

Sri Bhagavān commands Arjuna to abandon his weak-heartedness and rise to the occasion, reminding him of his identity as a formidable warrior. This verse is crucial in the Bhagavad Gītā as it marks the beginning of Sri Bhagavān’s effort to motivate Arjuna to overcome his despondency and fulfill his duty. Sri Bhagavān’s words are a mix of rebuke and encouragement, aiming to jolt Arjuna out of his emotional paralysis and instill a sense of duty and purpose.

klaibyaṁ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha:

• klaibyaṁ: Impotence or unmanliness. Here, it refers to Arjuna's reluctance and emotional weakness.
• mā sma gamaḥ: Do not give in to or do not succumb to.
• Pārtha: Son of Pritha (Kunti) (another name for Arjuna). Using this name, Sri Bhagavān appeals to Arjuna’s sense of identity and lineage.

Kunti, the mother of the Pāṇḍavas, conveyed a powerful message to her sons through Bhagavān Krishna before the great war of Kurukshetra. Show Yourselves as True Kṣatriyas: Kunti declared that the time had come for her sons to demonstrate their true Kṣatriya spirit. As warriors, they were duty-bound to uphold righteousness (Dharma) and fight for justice. She urged them not to falter in their duty. Uphold Dharma Now: Kunti emphasized that this was a critical moment. If her sons failed to uphold Dharma during the war, she would forsake them forever. Her message carried the weight of their lineage and the expectations placed upon them as noble warriors. Kunti’s words served as a reminder of their responsibilities and the need to fight for justice, even if it meant facing immense challenges. Śrī Krishna conveyed this message to the Pāṇḍavas, urging them to fulfill their duty on the battlefield.

Sri Bhagavān admonishes Arjuna, telling him not to succumb to impotence. He emphasizes that this emotional weakness is unworthy of him, given his noble birth and warrior duties.

naitat tvayy upapadyate:

• na: Not.
• etat: This.
• tvayi: In you.
• upapadyate: Is befitting or appropriate.

Sri Bhagavān asserts that such behavior is not appropriate for Arjuna. It does not suit his stature as a warrior and a prince.

kṣudraṁ hṛdaya-daurbalyaṁ:

• kṣudraṁ: Petty or insignificant.
• hṛdaya-daurbalyaṁ: Weakness of heart.

Sri Bhagavān describes Arjuna’s emotional weakness as petty and insignificant, unworthy of a person of his stature.

tyaktvottiṣṭha parantapa:

• tyaktvā: Abandoning or giving up.
• uttiṣṭha: Rise or stand up.
• parantapa: O chastiser of enemies, a title for Arjuna, indicating his prowess in battle.

Sri Bhagavān emphasizes that yielding to weakness is inappropriate for Arjuna and that he must rise above his emotional turmoil to perform his duty as a warrior. This admonishment sets the stage for the philosophical and spiritual teachings that Sri Bhagavān imparts in the subsequent chapters, guiding Arjuna towards understanding his duty (dharma) and the larger principles governing life and action.

A quote in English goes as follows:

If wealth is lost, nothing is lost, if health is lost, something is lost. If character is lost, everything is lost.

Parama Pujya Swami ji added one more aspect to it as:
If Confidence is lost everything is lost forever.

One need not worry for the Divine presence is with us forever in the form of the sacred Bhagavadgītā. 

'jayatu jayatu gītā, vāṅmayī kṛṣṇamūrti:|'
Bhagavad Gītā is the literary form of Śrī Krishna

which indicates HIS Divine presence with us in the form of verses. The more you read the Bhagavad Gītā, the more you understand it, the more you put it into practice, the more you teach others you can be rest assured your self-confidence will never waver. We need to adopt, "Learn Gītā, teach Gītā , imbibe Gītā." 

Hanuman ji was cursed by a sage that he would forget of his immense strength and power. When the question arose of how to cross the vast ocean to reach Lanka in search of Sita mata, Jambavant ji reminded him of his power:

uttiṣṭha vanaśārdūlaṃ laṃghavasya mahārṇavam|
O' the greatest amongst the apes rise and use your power and strength to cross the Ocean.

This verse captures the essence of Arjuna’s moral and emotional turmoil. He is torn between his duty as a warrior (Kṣatriya) and his deep respect and love for his elders and teachers. This conflict is central to the Bhagavad Gītā, as it sets the stage for the profound teachings that follow. Arjuna’s questioning reflects the human struggle with duty, morality, and emotions.

Arjuna's hesitation to fight Bhīṣma Pitāmaha and Dronacharya illustrates the complexity of dharma (duty/righteousness). On one hand, his duty as a Kṣatriya obliges him to fight in the war to uphold justice. On the other hand, his personal duty towards his family and teachers makes him question the righteousness of battling those who have taught and cared for him.

By addressing Krishna as "Madhusudana" and "Arisudana," Arjuna is invoking Śrī Krishna’s divine nature and asking for guidance. He is essentially saying, "You, who have defeated powerful enemies and demons, tell me how can I, your devotee, possibly fight against those I revere and hold sacred?"

Dnyaneshwar Maharaj says, “Arjuna, You never think inappropriately. You never lose your courage. Failure flees in all ten directions, When your name is heard.”

You are the support of the brave, The crown jewel of the Kṣatriyas, The sound of your valor echoes, Throughout the three worlds.

But now, Arjuna’s heart is overpowered by compassion, the valor has left him.

This verse also highlights the deep reverence and cultural values of the time, where elders and teachers were held in the highest regard, making the conflict even more poignant.

Arjuna’s words to Sri Bhagavān Krishna encapsulate his deep distress and serve as a prelude to the profound spiritual discourse that Śrī Krishna will deliver. This discourse will address not only Arjuna’s immediate concerns but also broader philosophical questions about duty, righteousness, and the nature of life and death.

Arjuna is on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, filled with sorrow and confusion about the moral implications of fighting against his own kin, including his beloved teachers Bhīṣma pitāmaha and Dronacharya. He expresses a preference for a life of begging over the guilt of killing his respected elders. This verse captures the essence of Arjuna’s inner conflict and his deep moral and ethical considerations. Arjuna is a Kṣatriya (warrior class), and his duty (dharma) is to fight. However, he is also deeply compassionate and respectful towards his elders and teachers, which creates a profound dilemma.

gurūn ahatvā hi mahānubhāvān:

• gurūn: Teachers or elders, referring to Bhishma and Drona.
• ahatvā: Not killing.
• mahānubhāvān: Great-souled or noble beings.

Arjuna states that it would be better not to kill his great-souled teachers. He acknowledges their nobility and the respect he holds for them.

śreyo bhoktuṁ bhaikṣyam apīha loke:

• śreyo: Better.
• bhoktuṁ: To live.
• bhaikṣyam: By begging, referring to a life of renunciation and minimalism.
• api: Even.
• iha loke: In this world.

Arjuna suggests that living a life of begging, which is considered the lowest form of livelihood for a Kṣatriya, is preferable to killing his elders.

hatvā artha-kāmāṁs tu gurūn ihaiva:

• hatvā: Having killed.
• artha-kāmān: Desiring wealth and pleasure.
• tu: But.
• gurūn: Teachers or elders.
• ihaiva: In this world itself.

Arjuna contemplates that if he kills his elders, even for the sake of wealth and pleasure, it would be a great sin and morally troubling.

bhuñjīya bhogān rudhira-pradigdhān:

Arjuna concludes that any pleasures or enjoyments he might gain after killing his elders would be tainted with their blood, symbolizing guilt and the moral stain of his actions.

Sri Dhyaneshwar Maharaj describes the state of Arjuna:

मी अर्जुन शिष्य द्रोणाचा हा गुरु माझा धनुर्विद्येचा
तो उपकार काय त्याचा वध करून फेडीनं मी?

“I am Arjuna, the disciple of Drona. He is my guru in archery. What good is his favor if I repay it by slaying him?”

ज्यांचा कृपेचा मिळवावा वर त्यांच्या वरीच कराया अपकार
मी का आहे भस्मासुर? अर्जुन म्हणे

“Upon those from whom blessings are to be sought, should I inflict harm? Am I Bhasmasura? So ponders Arjuna.”

Sri Dhyaneshwar Maharaj further elaborates:

त्या वेळी म्हणे अर्जुन श्री कृष्णा द्यावे ध्यान
परी ते सर्व ऐकून रुचले नाही कृष्णासी

“At that moment, Arjuna says, ‘Pay attention, O Krishna.’ Yet, having heard it all, it did not please Krishna.”

हे ऐकून अर्जुन भ्याला मग पुनरपि बोलू लागला
म्हणे देवा माझ्या बोला दुर्लक्षिता का

“Upon hearing this, Arjuna was struck with fear and began to speak again, saying, ‘O Divine, why do you disregard my words?’”

Arjuna realized that something is quite not right and Sri Krishna isn’t paying attention to what Arjuna is saying. Arjuna then changed his tone. Arjuna realized that there is something that he is not able to understand.

The idea of living by begging is a significant one. In the Vedic tradition, renunciation and a life of begging are seen as suitable for ascetics (Saṃnyāsis ) but not for warriors. By suggesting that he would prefer this life over killing his elders, Arjuna underscores the depth of his moral crisis. This statement reflects his willingness to abandon his duty as a warrior to avoid the sin of killing those he holds in high regard.

The imagery of "enjoyments tainted with blood" is powerful and poignant. It suggests that any success or pleasure gained from the battle would be forever tainted by the guilt and moral repercussions of killing his revered teachers and family members. This taint represents not just physical bloodshed but also the psychological and spiritual consequences of such actions.

In this verse, Arjuna expresses his profound moral and emotional turmoil, highlighting the ethical complexities of duty and righteousness. His reluctance to fight against his beloved teachers and elders serves as a prelude to the extensive philosophical teachings that Śrī Krishna Bhagavān will impart to resolve his confusion and guide him towards understanding his true duty (dharma). This verse is pivotal in setting the stage for the deeper spiritual and ethical discussions that follow in the Bhagavad Gītā.

Arjuna, standing on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, is deeply troubled and morally conflicted about fighting in the war. He is particularly distressed about the prospect of killing his relatives, teachers, and friends who are arrayed on the opposing side. This verse captures his profound uncertainty about the outcomes and consequences of the battle.

na caitad vidmaḥ kataran no garīyo:

• na: Not.
• ca: And.
• etat: This.
• vidmaḥ: We know.
• katarat: Which.
• naḥ: For us.
• garīyaḥ: Better or preferable.

Arjuna admits that he does not know which outcome would be better for them. He is unable to decide if it is preferable to win the battle or to be defeated.

yad vā jayema yadi vā no jayeyuḥ):

• yad vā: Whether.
• jayema: We conquer.
• yadi vā: Or if.
• naḥ: Us.
• jayeyuḥ: They conquer.

He is uncertain whether it is better for them to win or to be defeated. This highlights his indecision and moral dilemma about the righteousness and consequences of the battle.

yān eva hatvā na jijīviṣāma:

• yān: Whom.
• eva: Certainly.
• hatvā: Having killed.
• na: Not.
• jijīviṣāma: Wish to live.

Arjuna feels that even if they win the battle by killing their kin, they would not want to live because the victory would be tainted by the blood of their loved ones.

te ’vasthitāḥ pramukhe dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ:

• te: They.
• avasthitāḥ: Are standing.
• pramukhe: In front.
• dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ: The sons of Dhritarashtra (Kauravas).

Arjuna points out that the sons of Dhritarashtra, his cousins and opponents in the battle, are standing before him, ready to fight.

This verse captures Arjuna’s deep inner conflict and highlights the themes of dharma (duty), morality, and the complexities of human relationships. It illustrates his profound sense of confusion and sorrow, emphasizing that the consequences of the battle are not merely political or territorial but deeply personal and ethical.

Arjuna's dilemma is multifaceted. He is a warrior bound by his duty (dharma) to fight and uphold righteousness. However, this duty conflicts with his personal morals and affection for his relatives and teachers, who are on the opposing side.

The uncertainty about whether it is better to win or lose the battle underscores Arjuna's crisis. Winning the battle would mean killing his kin, which he believes would make life unbearable. On the other hand, losing the battle would mean allowing the forces of adharma (unrighteousness) to prevail, which is also unacceptable to him.

Arjuna’s statement that they would not want to live after killing their relatives reflects the deep value placed on familial and social bonds in the Vedic culture. The sons of Dhritarashtra are not just enemies; they are family, teachers, and friends, making the prospect of their death unbearable.

This verse sets the stage for the teachings of Sri Bhagavān, who will address Arjuna's doubts and confusions, providing him with a broader perspective on duty, righteousness, and the nature of life and death. Sri Bhagavān's guidance will help Arjuna transcend his immediate emotional turmoil and understand his role in the larger cosmic order.

Arjuna, standing on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, is overwhelmed with sorrow and confusion about fighting in the war. He is torn between his duty as a warrior and his love and respect for his relatives, teachers, and friends who are on the opposing side. This verse marks a turning point where Arjuna, realizing his own limitations and confusion, fully surrenders to Krishna and seeks his guidance.

kārpaṇya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ:

• kārpaṇya-doṣa: The defect of cowardice arising from misplaced compassion
• upahata: Overcome or afflicted by.
• svabhāvaḥ: Nature or disposition.

Arjuna admits that his nature has been overcome by the defect of cowardice, which is causing his hesitation and confusion.

pṛcchāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ:

• pṛcchāmi: I am asking.
• tvāṁ: You.
• dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ: One whose mind is bewildered regarding dharma (duty).

Arjuna acknowledges that his understanding of dharma is completely confused, and he turns to Krishna for clarity and direction.

yac chreyaḥ syān niścitaṁ brūhi tan me:

• yat: What.
• śreyaḥ: Ultimate good or highest benefit.
• syāt: May be.
• niścitaṁ: Certain or determined.
• tat: That.
• me: To me.

Arjuna is asking Krishna to tell him definitively what is the best course of action that will lead to his ultimate good.

Samarth Ramdas Swami’s prayer in this context is apt to mention here. Swamiji’s Hindi translation of the Marathi verse is as follows:

हितकारक वो दे दो राम जनसुखकारक दे दो राम
अनन्य सेवा दे दो राम पूर्ण समर्पण दे दो राम
मैं न जानू वह दे दो राम

I do not understand what to ask for. Give it to me that what you feel is right for me.

Arjuna’s change of approach from despondency to earnest inquiry is evident here which helped him to get the right advice.

śiṣyas te ’haṁ śādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam:

• śiṣyaḥ: Disciple: One who is taught or one who abides by the teacher’s orders
• te: Your.
• aham: I.
• śādhi: Instruct or teach.
• māṁ: Me.
• tvāṁ: To you.
• prapannam: Surrendered.

Arjuna declares himself as Śrī Krishna’s disciple and fully surrenders to him, seeking his instruction and guidance. In terms of family relations, Arjuna and Śrī Krishna are cousins, and they are also close friends who deeply love each other. Because of this profound affection, when given the choice by Śrī Krishna between having Śrī Krishna HIMSELF or Śrī Krishna’s army for the impending war, Arjuna chose Śrī Krishna alone, despite Śrī Krishna's declaration that he would not take up any weapons during the battle. This choice ultimately led Arjuna to victory.

Up to this point, Sri Bhagavān has not started giving Arjuna any specific advice, although He has rebuked Arjuna for his misplaced compassion.

This verse marks a critical turning point in the Bhagavad Gītā. Arjuna’s surrender and request for guidance signify the beginning of the transformative teaching that Sri Bhagavān will impart. It highlights the importance of humility, the willingness to seek help, and the recognition of one’s own limitations in understanding complex moral and spiritual dilemmas.

Arjuna acknowledges that his usual courage and clarity have been overshadowed by weakness and confusion. This recognition is crucial as it shows his self-awareness and readiness to accept help.

By turning to Śrī Krishna, Arjuna shows that he values divine wisdom and guidance over his own troubled judgment. He is aware that his understanding of duty (dharma) is clouded and that he needs a higher perspective to make the right decision.

This verse sets the stage for the teachings of Sri Bhagavān, who will guide Arjuna through his doubts and confusions, providing him with the knowledge to understand his duty and act accordingly.

He goes further to state that even sovereignty over the gods (a metaphor for ultimate power and control) would not ease his suffering.

This verse highlights Arjuna's profound sense of despair and the intensity of his moral and emotional crisis. It underscores that material gains and power are meaningless to him in the face of such deep sorrow and ethical conflict. This sets the stage for the spiritual and philosophical teachings that Sri Bhagavān will impart.

Arjuna's declaration that he sees no solution to his sorrow, even with the attainment of ultimate power and wealth, illustrates the depth of his inner turmoil. His grief is so profound that worldly possessions and achievements seem insignificant.

The description of his sorrow as "drying up his senses" is a powerful metaphor. It indicates that his grief is affecting his entire being, causing a loss of sensory and mental faculties. This highlights the holistic impact of emotional distress on a person's physical and mental state.

By expressing such profound despair and recognizing the inadequacy of material solutions, Arjuna is essentially paving the way for Sri Bhagavan's teachings. This moment of surrender and acknowledgment of helplessness is crucial for the transformative guidance that follows.

This verse captures a critical moment in the Bhagavad Gītā where Arjuna, overwhelmed by sorrow and moral confusion, declares his unwillingness to participate in the battle. This moment of silence and surrender sets the stage for Sri Bhagavān's teachings, which form the core of the Bhagavad Gītā. It highlights Arjuna's vulnerability and the beginning of his quest for spiritual guidance, making him receptive to Sri Bhagavān's wisdom and counsel.

This verse captures a critical moment in the Bhagavad Gītā where Śrī Krishna, seeing Arjuna overwhelmed by sorrow and confusion, prepares to offer his divine guidance. This moment sets the stage for the profound teachings that follow, forming the core of the Bhagavad Gītā. It highlights Arjuna's vulnerability and Śrī Krishna's readiness to impart wisdom, making Arjuna receptive to Śrī Krishna's counsel.

"Hrishikesha:" One of the names of Śrī Krishna, meaning the "Lord of the senses." It underscores Śrī Krishna's role as the divine guide who controls the senses, ready to offer Arjuna the wisdom he needs.

"These words:" Refer to the teachings and guidance that Krishna is about to impart to Arjuna.

This verse sets the stage for the subsequent teachings of Sri Bhagavān. Arjuna’s despondency and the compassionate, composed demeanor of Krishna create a pivotal moment that leads to the imparting of the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gītā. This wisdom addresses the nature of duty, righteousness, and the self, guiding Arjuna out of his confusion.

This verse captures a pivotal moment of vulnerability and indecision for Arjuna, marking the transition from his inner turmoil to the transformative guidance he is about to receive from Sri Bhagavān. It underscores the themes of duty, righteousness, and the quest for spiritual wisdom that are central to the Bhagavad Gītā.

This verse captures the beginning of Sri Bhagavan's profound teachings to Arjuna, addressing his sorrow and confusion with wisdom. It highlights the contrast between true wisdom and Arjuna's misplaced grief, setting the stage for deeper philosophical insights into life and duty.

"You grieve for those who should not be grieved for:" Sri Bhagavān tells Arjuna that his sorrow is misplaced. Arjuna is grieving over the physical bodies, which are not the true essence of individuals.

"The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead:" Sri Bhagavān emphasizes that the truly wise do not grieve over the temporary physical existence, understanding the eternal nature of the soul.

This verse sets the stage for the subsequent teachings of Sri Bhagavān. Arjuna’s misplaced grief and Sri Bhagavān's clarification create a pivotal moment that leads to the imparting of the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gītā. This wisdom addresses the nature of the self, the impermanence of the physical body, and the eternal nature of the soul, guiding Arjuna towards a deeper understanding of life and duty.

This verse marks the beginning of Sri Bhagavān's transformative guidance, highlighting the themes of true wisdom, the nature of the self, and the transcendence of life and death that are central to the Bhagavad Gītā.

This verse captures Sri Bhagavān’s teaching about the eternal nature of the soul, addressing Arjuna’s grief and confusion about life and death. It underscores the continuity of existence and the immortality of the soul, setting the stage for deeper spiritual insights.

"Nor will there ever be a time when we will cease to be:" Sri Bhagavān emphasizes the continuous and unending nature of existence, asserting that the soul never ceases to exist.

"All of us from now on:" This phrase includes everyone, indicating the universal truth of the eternal soul that applies to all beings.

This verse sets the stage for the subsequent teachings of Sri Bhagavān by establishing the fundamental principle of the immortality of the soul. Arjuna’s fear of death and his grief over the potential loss of his loved ones are addressed by Sri Bhagavān’s affirmation that the soul is eternal and beyond the physical existence.

This verse marks a critical point in Sri Bhagavān’s transformative guidance, highlighting the themes of eternal existence, the nature of the self, and the continuity of life that are central to the Bhagavad Gītā. It reassures Arjuna and prepares him to understand and accept the deeper spiritual wisdom that Sri Bhagavān is about to impart.

This verse captures Sri Bhagavān’s teaching about the nature of the soul’s journey through different stages of life and beyond. It emphasizes the eternal nature of the soul and the transitions it undergoes, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of life, death, and rebirth.

"Are not deluded:" Indicates that the wise are not confused or distressed by these changes.

This verse sets the stage for the subsequent teachings of Sri Bhagavān by explaining the natural process of the soul’s journey through different stages of life and rebirth. Arjuna’s confusion and fear about death and the loss of his loved ones are addressed by Sri Bhagavān’s explanation of the soul’s continuous journey.

This verse marks a critical point in Sri Bhagavān’s transformative guidance, highlighting the themes of eternal existence, the nature of the self, and the natural transitions of life that are central to the Bhagavad Gītā. It reassures Arjuna and prepares him to understand and accept the deeper spiritual wisdom that Sri Bhagavān is about to impart.

The session concluded with Hari Naam Sankirtan.