Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 7

English Translation

With my nature overpowered by weak commiseration, with a mind bewildered about duty, I supplicate You. Telll me for certain that which is better; I am Your disciple. Instruct me who have taken refuge in You.

Detailed Commentary

।।2.7।। Explanation – The phrase 'Kārpanya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ' signifies that Arjuna was assailed by doubt concerning Dharma due to the weakness inherent in his nature. Although Arjuna did not deem a complete withdrawal from battle to be superior, he could perceive no other recourse to avoid sin apart from refraining from war. Therefore, he wished to retreat from the conflict, considering it a virtue, not an act of cowardice. However, the Lord deemed Arjuna’s hesitation to be faintheartedness and weakness of heart. Through the Lord's clear words, Arjuna felt that retreating from battle was inappropriate for him. This was indeed cowardice, contrary to his very nature, for his Kshatra (warrior) temperament does not countenance meekness or retreat. In the third shloka, the Lord had instructed Arjuna to cast aside weakness of heart and cowardice and prepare for battle. Despite this, Arjuna remained uncertain about Dharma. On one hand, there was the destruction of his family; on the other, his Kshatriya Dharma. Consequently, Arjuna found himself in a moral quandary, unable to determine what constituted Dharma. Hence, he implores the Lord, 'Please decide and tell me what is truly auspicious for me.' The turmoil in Arjuna’s heart and his inquiry about his own welfare make it evident that until an individual is dissatisfied with their present state, they do not awaken to their true objectives. Upon uttering 'Shishyaste'ham' (I am Your disciple), Arjuna realized that authentic counsel is sought from a Guru, not from a charioteer. Thus, Arjuna accepted the Lord as his Guru and became His disciple. By stating 'Shādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam' (Instruct me, who am surrendered unto You), Arjuna sought guidance from the Lord. He desired to place the responsibility upon the Lord, just as a child depends on its mother. However, this was not Arjuna's complete surrender, as he still wished to make his own decisions, evidenced by his later declaration, 'Na yotsye' – 'I shall not fight.' In this shloka, Arjuna expresses four points. Firstly, he asks about Dharma; secondly, he prays for his welfare; thirdly, he accepts the role of a disciple; and fourthly, he takes refuge in the Lord. Given the circumstances, the Lord had to provide Arjuna with proper guidance. Connection – In the first shloka, Arjuna does surrender, but a doubt persists in his mind that the Lord merely desires him to fight. It is for this reason that in the subsequent shloka, Arjuna clearly articulates the state of his heart.