Chapter 2

Shloka 2.12 “Never was there a time when I, you, or these kings did not exist, nor will we cease to exist hereafter.” Key Teaching: Krishna asserts the eternal nature of the soul. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Spirituality. Description: Krishna teaches that neither he, Arjuna, nor the assembled kings ever ceased to exist, nor will they […]

Shloka 2.11 “Krishna said: You grieve for those not worthy of grief, yet speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor the dead.” Key Teaching: Krishna introduces the eternal self, challenging Arjuna’s grief. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Wisdom. Description: Krishna begins his teachings, stating that Arjuna grieves for those (like Bhishma and

Shloka 2.10 “O Bharata, Krishna, smiling, spoke to the despondent Arjuna between the two armies.” Key Teaching: Krishna begins his philosophical response with calm assurance. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Wisdom. Description: Sanjaya, addressing Dhritarashtra as “Bharata,” narrates that Krishna, smiling, speaks to the despondent Arjuna between the armies. This verse marks the start of Krishna’s philosophical

Shloka 2.9 “Sanjaya said: Having spoken thus, Arjuna, the conqueror of enemies, said to Krishna, ‘I will not fight,’ and fell silent.” Key Teaching: Arjuna refuses to fight, marking the peak of his despair. Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Non-violence. Description: Sanjaya narrates that Arjuna, the “conqueror of enemies,” declares to Krishna, “I will not fight,” and

Shloka 2.8 “I see no way to dispel this grief that dries up my senses, even if I gain a prosperous kingdom or lordship over the gods.” Key Teaching: Arjuna’s grief persists, unaffected by material gains. Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Detachment. Description: Arjuna declares that no material gain, not even a prosperous kingdom or divine lordship,

Shloka 2.7 “My heart is overcome with weakness; my mind is confused about dharma. I ask you: tell me what is best. I am your disciple, guide me.” Key Teaching: Arjuna surrenders to Krishna, seeking guidance as his disciple. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Vishada. Description: Arjuna admits his heart’s weakness and confusion about dharma, surrendering to

Shloka 2.6 “I cannot decide whether it is better to conquer them or be conquered; for killing Dhritarashtra’s sons, we would not wish to live.” Key Teaching: Arjuna’s indecision reflects his moral conflict over fighting kin. Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Conflict. Description: Arjuna expresses indecision, unsure whether conquering the Kauravas or being conquered is better, as

Shloka 2.5 “It would be better to live on alms than to slay these noble teachers, Bhishma and Drona; for having killed them, I would enjoy blood-stained pleasures.” Key Teaching: Arjuna prefers begging to killing revered elders, highlighting his moral dilemma. Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Ethics. Description: Arjuna continues his objection from 2.4, stating he would

Shloka 2.4 “Arjuna said: How can I fight Bhishma and Drona with arrows, O Krishna, when they are worthy of worship?” Key Teaching: Arjuna questions fighting revered elders, deepening his moral dilemma. Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Ethics. Description: Arjuna responds to Krishna’s urging (2.2–3), questioning how he can fight Bhishma and Drona, whom he considers worthy

Shloka 2.3 “Yield not to unmanliness, O Arjuna; it does not befit you. Cast off this petty weakness and arise!” Key Teaching: Krishna urges Arjuna to overcome weakness and fulfill his duty. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Courage. Description: Krishna continues, urging Arjuna not to yield to unmanliness, calling his despair unfit for a warrior and commanding