Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2 Verses 7 & 8

Shloka 2.7 & 2.8 explained

Introduction

Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Krishna and Arjun. This dialogue begins just before the war of Mahabharata is about to begin. On seeing his family in opposition, Arjun is gripped with fear and confusion and wants to run away, but Krishna convinces him to fight and tells Arjun why he today raise his weapons to kill his brothers and relatives in this war.

Bhagavad Gits teaches us how to live life!

The core message of the Bhagavad Gita is considered very powerful for it can fundamentally transform the way you live your life. Bhagavad Gita is also called a summary of Vendantic Knowledge or simply ancient Knowledge.

Bhagavad Gita is crystallized form of the Hindu thought.

Bhagavad Gita is 700 verses long, spread across 18 chapters. Here we will understand Verses 7 and 8 of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita.

Translation

I am experiencing a state of weakness. My mind is confused, and thus am unable to ascertain my duty (Dharma). Thus I ask you to tell me, what is best for me.

I am your disciple. I have surrendered unto you. Please enlighten me, O Krishna.

This grief has numbed my senses. Even if we build a kingdom on earth which is prosperous and devoid of enemies, we have absolute control over it like the Gods have over heaven, still, I don’t see it taking away this grief of mine.

Commentary:

In that state of confusion, Arjun was unable to decide what should he do. For every warrior, fighting is a Dharma i.e. his duty. There is no question about it, it is given. But Arjun was not feeling certain. And the reason behind this was his confused state of mind.

Confusion and indecisiveness are considered a weakness for a warrior.

Arjun is aware of this, and thus he seeks Krishna’s help. He surrenders himself to Krishna and trusts him to advise him, just like any person would lean upon his best friend in a moment of need.

This is significant because Arjun is no average warrior. He is the best of the best. He is a person whose focus is best in class. All his life he has trained to control his mind and has always been successful at it, no matter what the situation. But today, he feels weak. He feels confused. He is unable to think of what to do. All he can feel is immense grief, as his will is broken into pieces.

His mind has taken control of his soul. The servant has become the master.

His mind wants him to run away, and thus Arjun is feeling that war is futile. He feels that winning, no matter how rewarding, will be meaningless.

Clearly, for a great warrior like Arjun, this is the most difficult situation of his life.

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