Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 2.1

Shloka 2.1

“Sanjaya said: Seeing Arjuna overwhelmed with compassion, his eyes filled with tears, Krishna spoke thus.”

Key Teaching: Krishna begins addressing Arjuna’s despair, initiating guidance.

Theme: Vishada, Guidance, Dharma.

Description:
Sanjaya narrates that Krishna, seeing Arjuna overwhelmed with compassion and tearful (1.28–46), begins speaking to address his despair. This verse transitions from Chapter 1’s focus on Arjuna’s crisis to Chapter 2’s philosophical teachings, marking Krishna’s role as divine guide. The themes of vishada, as Arjuna’s despair peaks, guidance, as Krishna intervenes, and dharma, as Krishna prepares to clarify duty, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s tears reflect his emotional collapse, contrasting with his earlier resolve (1.20–23). Krishna, as divine charioteer, responds to this crisis, setting the stage for teachings on duty and detachment (2.2–3). This moment shifts the narrative from despair to philosophical resolution, unlike Duryodhana’s focus (1.3–11).

Philosophically, this verse reflects the human need for guidance in emotional turmoil, a theme Krishna addresses with teachings on equanimity (2.14). Arjuna’s compassion complicates his Kshatriya dharma, necessitating Krishna’s intervention. The theme of guidance emerges, as Krishna begins resolving Arjuna’s crisis with wisdom.

Sanjaya’s narration frames this transition objectively, emphasizing Krishna’s role. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s moments of despair, where guidance is needed to navigate duty. Krishna’s response prepares readers for the Gita’s teachings on acting righteously with detachment.