9-10. Chapter 2

Krishna responds to Arjuna’s despondency, setting the stage for his counsel.

सञ्जय उवाच
एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशः परन्तप।
न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दमुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह॥ 2.9 ॥

Sañjaya uvāca
Evam uktvā hṛṣīkeśaṁ guḍākeśaḥ parantapa
Na yotsya iti govindam uktvā tūṣṇīṁ babhūva ha

Meaning:
Sanjaya said: Having spoken thus to Hrishikesha (Krishna), Gudakesha (Arjuna), the conqueror of sleep, and scorcher of foes, declared, "I will not fight," and became silent.

तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत।
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः॥ 2.10 ॥

Tamuvāca hṛṣīkeśaḥ prahasan-niva bhārata
Senayor ubhayor madhye viṣīdantam idaṁ vacaḥ

Meaning:
O Bharata (Dhritarashtra), Hrishikesha (Krishna), as if smiling, spoke these words to the despondent one (Arjuna) amidst the two armies.

In these shlokas, the scene unfolds with Arjuna, the mighty warrior, expressing his unwillingness to fight in the great battle of Kurukshetra. Overcome by compassion and sorrow, he puts down his bow and arrows, declaring to Krishna that he will not engage in battle. Observing Arjuna’s despair and confusion, Krishna, as his charioteer, prepares to impart crucial spiritual teachings. Sanjaya, the narrator, describes Krishna’s demeanor as he prepares to address Arjuna’s inner turmoil and guide him through his moral and philosophical dilemma. These verses set the stage for the profound discourse of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna’s wisdom will unravel the nature of duty, righteousness, and the eternal self.

Today's Context

These shlokas are significant today as they highlight the importance of facing our responsibilities even when we feel overwhelmed or confused. Arjuna’s reluctance symbolizes the common human tendency to retreat when confronted with difficult decisions or moral dilemmas. Krishna’s role emphasizes the need for guidance, self-awareness, and clarity in such times. In modern life, these verses remind us that true wisdom involves understanding our duties and acting with conviction and courage, rather than succumbing to despair. They teach the importance of seeking inner strength and clarity when faced with life’s challenges, encouraging us to act rightly despite personal fears or doubts.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi