Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 2.52

Shloka 2.52

“When your intellect transcends the delusion of attachment, you will become indifferent to what is heard or to be heard.”
Key Teaching: Transcending attachment leads to indifference to worldly knowledge.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Yoga.
Description: Krishna teaches that when Arjuna’s intellect transcends attachment’s delusion, he will become indifferent to worldly knowledge, past or future. This verse, building on 2.45–51, addresses Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9) by emphasizing mental clarity in Karma Yoga. The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies duty, and Karma Yoga, as he highlights detachment, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s attachment to kin (1.26–27) clouds his judgment. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s material focus (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to transcend delusion to fulfill his Kshatriya dharma with clarity. This prepares him for selfless action.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human entanglement in worldly desires, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on selfless action. Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to achieve mental clarity. The theme of Karma Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on transcending delusion.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its transformative potential. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s distractions, where clarity fosters liberation. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with detachment, free from worldly influences.