Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 8

English Translation

Because, I do not see that which can, even after aciring on this earth a prosperous kingdom free from enemies and even sovereignty over the gods, remove my sorrow (which is) blasting the senses.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation: Arjuna might be thinking that Bhagavān (the Lord) must be considering that if Arjuna fights, he will achieve victory, gain a kingdom, and his worries and sorrow will vanish. However, due to this sorrow, my state has become such that even with victory, I do not see my sorrow disappearing. 'Avāpya bhūmāvapatnaṁ vṛddhaṁ rājyam' – Even if I were to obtain a prosperous kingdom, rich in wealth and grain, free from obstacles, where the subjects are happy, possess abundant wealth, and there are no enemies, even then my sorrow cannot be removed. 'Surāṇāmapi cādhipatyam' – Leaving aside the insignificant worldly pleasures of an earthly kingdom, even if I were to attain the divine pleasures of Indra's kingdom, even then my sorrow, anguish, and anxiety cannot be dispelled. In the first chapter, Arjuna had stated that he desires neither victory, nor kingdom, nor happiness; for what good would such a kingdom be? What good would those enjoyments be? And what good would that life be? Those for whom we desire kingdom, enjoyments, and happiness are themselves standing before us, ready for death (1.32-33). Here Arjuna says that even if he obtains a prosperous and unhindered earthly kingdom, and the suzerainty of the Devas, his sorrow cannot be removed; he cannot find happiness from them. Previously (in 1.32-33), Arjuna's interest in war diminished due to familial attachment (mamatā), but now his interest stems from a feeling for his own welfare. Therefore, there is a significant difference between his earlier interest and his current interest. 'Na hi prapaśyāmi mamāpanudyāt yacchokamucchoṣaṇamindriyāṇām' – When the mere apprehension of the death of kinsmen causes me such profound sorrow, how much more sorrow will there be when they actually die! If my sorrow were for the kingdom, it would vanish upon obtaining the kingdom. But how can the sorrow arising from the apprehension of the destruction of my family be dispelled by obtaining a kingdom? Far from dispelling sorrow, it would only increase; for if everyone dies in the war, who will enjoy the kingdom thus gained? For whose benefit will it be? Therefore, even by obtaining an earthly kingdom and the suzerainty of Svarga (heaven), my sorrow, which parches my senses, cannot be removed. Connection – Arjuna says that he does not see his sorrow disappearing even upon obtaining material possessions. What Arjuna did next is described by Sañjaya in the subsequent verse.