Arjuna’s Question: My mind is bewildered, and I am unable to decide my duty. I ask you, please tell me definitely what is best for me. I am your disciple, surrendered to you; please instruct me.
Krishna’s Answer (2.11–2.30): The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead. The self is eternal, indestructible, and unchanging. Bodies are perishable, but the soul is eternal. Therefore, fight, O Arjuna, performing your duty without attachment.
(Krishna teaches the immortality of the soul and the importance of performing one’s duty selflessly, introducing Karma Yoga as a path to liberation.)
Arjuna’s Question (implied from 2.7, context): How should I act in this battle without incurring sin?
Krishna’s Answer (2.47): Your right is to work only, but never to its fruits; let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.
(Krishna emphasizes selfless action, teaching that one should perform duties without attachment to outcomes, a core principle of Karma Yoga.)
Arjuna’s Question: If you consider knowledge superior to action, why do you urge me to engage in this terrible action? Your words seem contradictory; tell me definitely one path by which I may attain the highest good.
Krishna’s Answer (3.3–3.8): In this world, there are two paths: Jnana Yoga for the contemplative and Karma Yoga for the active. You cannot avoid action; performing your duty selflessly leads to liberation.
(Krishna clarifies that both Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga are valid paths, but for Arjuna, selfless action (Karma Yoga) is suitable, as inaction is impossible.)
Arjuna’s Question (implied from context): How should one perform sacrifices to avoid negative consequences?
Krishna’s Answer (3.12): The gods, nourished by sacrifice, will give you desired enjoyments. He who enjoys their gifts without offering to them is a thief.
(Krishna teaches that sacrifices must be performed selflessly to maintain cosmic harmony, emphasizing reciprocity in Karma Yoga.)
Arjuna’s Question: Your birth is later than Vivasvan’s; how did you teach him this yoga in the beginning?
Krishna’s Answer (4.5–4.6): Both you and I have passed through many births. I know them all, but you do not. Though unborn and eternal, I take birth through My own power.
(Krishna reveals His divine, eternal nature, transcending time and birth, highlighting His role as the supreme teacher.)
Arjuna’s Question: This yoga of equanimity seems impractical, as the mind is restless, turbulent, and difficult to control, like the wind.
Krishna’s Answer (6.35–6.36): The mind is restless, but through practice and detachment, it can be controlled. Yoga is hard for one whose mind is uncontrolled, but possible through effort.
(Krishna teaches that controlling the mind in Dhyana Yoga requires persistent practice and detachment, making it achievable with effort.)
Arjuna’s Question: What happens to a yogi who strives but fails to perfect yoga, falling away without support? Does he perish like a torn cloud?
Krishna’s Answer (6.40–6.45): Neither here nor hereafter is there destruction for him. A yogi who strives never meets an evil end; he is reborn in a virtuous family and continues his practice toward liberation.
(Krishna reassures that spiritual efforts are never wasted; even a failed yogi progresses toward liberation in future lives.)
Arjuna’s Question: Tell me who You are, so fierce in form. I bow to You, O God Supreme; have mercy. I desire to know Your nature.
Krishna’s Answer (11.32–11.34): I am mighty Time, destroyer of worlds, now engaged in destroying these people. Even without you, these warriors will not survive. Therefore, rise, fight, and gain glory.
(Krishna reveals His cosmic form as Time, urging Arjuna to act as His instrument, emphasizing divine will and duty.)
Arjuna’s Question: O Krishna, I wish to know the truth of renunciation and of the renounced order.
Krishna’s Answer (18.2–18.6): Renunciation is giving up actions prompted by desire. The renounced order is performing prescribed duties without attachment to results. Some say all actions should be abandoned, but performing duties as sacrifice is best.
(Krishna distinguishes between true renunciation (abandoning desire-driven actions) and performing duties selflessly, integrating Jnana and Karma Yoga.)
Arjuna’s Question (implied): Have I understood Your teachings correctly?
Krishna’s Answer (18.72): Have you heard this with attention, O Arjuna? Has your delusion, born of ignorance, been destroyed?
(Krishna confirms Arjuna’s understanding, ensuring his doubts are resolved through divine wisdom.)