Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 2

English Translation

You bewilder my understanding, as it were, by a seemingly conflicting statement! Tell me for certain one of these by which I may attain the highest Good.

Detailed Commentary

।।3.2।। Commentary— 'Janardana' – Arjuna expresses to Shri Krishna here that You fulfill everyone's desires; therefore, You will surely fulfill mine too. In Arjuna's mind is the thought that an ordinary human tries to believe their own thinking alone to be correct. In reality, a true hero is one who accepts the speaker's words, whether favorable or not. This very weakness makes it difficult for a person to endure adverse situations. Then, under the guise of goodness, they try to conceal evil. Arjuna's situation is precisely this: wearing the mask of renouncing violence, he has embraced the renunciation of duty. Therefore, he considers Jnana (knowledge) superior to Karma (action) and asks, "If You deem Jnana superior, why are You pushing me into war?" In the second chapter, Bhagavan had described Samatā (equanimity) through 'Buddhiryoge'; but Arjuna interpreted it as Jnana. He is asking that if Jnana is superior, why are You engaging me in actions like war? Earlier there was enthusiasm for war, but when Bhagavan showed him the battlefield, due to Moha (delusion), he turned away from war and became attracted to Jnana. He wishes that Bhagavan not engage him in violent actions. Here, 'Buddhih' is taken to mean 'Jnana'. If 'Samabuddhi' (equanimity) were taken, then the 'Vyāmishra Vacana' (confused words) would not be proven. Bhagavan has commanded Arjuna to perform actions while established in Yoga. Therefore, according to Arjuna, there are two Niṣṭhās (paths): one for the Jnānīs (men of knowledge) and one for the Yogīs (men of action). Arjuna wants to clarify that if Jnana is superior, why is he being engaged in Karma? A true Sādhaka (seeker) receives the correct answer only when they question with Śraddhā (faith). Arjuna has complete Śraddhā in Bhagavan and is ready to enter the war; it is for this reason that he is asking questions. 'Vyāmishreṇeva Vākyena Buddhiṁ Mohayasīva Me' – Arjuna's mind harbors this doubt that sometimes Bhagavan says "perform actions" and sometimes says "take refuge in Jnana." This has confused his intellect (Buddhi). The use of 'iva' (as if, seems) demonstrates his Śraddhā in Bhagavan. Due to his inability to properly understand Bhagavan's words, they seem mixed (confused) to him. 'Tadekaṁ Vada Niścitya Yena Śreyo'hamāpnuyām' – Through which will my well-being (Kalyāṇa) be attained, Karma or Jnana? Please tell me decisively. Earlier too, I had said, tell me that path which leads to definite well-being. Connection – In the next three verses, Bhagavan will answer Arjuna's 'Vyāmishreṇeva Vākyena'.