Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Shloka 2
Śrī Bhagavān said:
kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ viṣame samupasthitam |
*anārya-juṣṭam asvargyam akīrtikaram arjuna || 2||
Simple English Meaning:
Lord Krishna said —
“O Arjuna! How has this weakness, confusion, and mental collapse come upon you at such a critical moment? This behavior is not befitting of noble men, nor will it lead to heaven, nor will it increase your glory.”
Detailed Explanation:
This shloka captures the moment when Arjuna, standing on the battlefield, was completely mentally overwhelmed.
Seeing his own teachers, brothers, and loved ones on the opposite side, compassion and attachment overwhelmed him, and he felt incapable of fighting.
Lord Krishna observes Arjuna’s weak state and asks —
“Where has this weakness come from?”
The same Arjuna, once a symbol of courage, patience, and duty, is now shaken by confusion and sorrow.
“Anārya-juṣṭam”
Krishna points out that this attitude is not in accordance with the conduct of noble (Arya) men.
A great person does not waver in times of crisis but performs their dharma and duty.
“Asvargyam”
Krishna explains that such cowardice or attachment is not the path to heaven.
Abandoning one’s duty does not bring virtue or reward.
“Akīrtikaram”
If a great warrior like Arjuna retreats now, his fame and honor will be tarnished.
Society will not respect him but will consider him cowardly.
Thus, Krishna reminds Arjuna of his true identity —
That he was born to uphold duty, truth, courage, and righteousness.
To waver from action is not appropriate for him.
From here, Krishna’s teaching begins — and the divine knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita unfolds.
Deeper Spiritual Significance:
The deeper message of this shloka is that when a person is pulled away from duty by attachment, grief, or confusion,
a divine guide or true mentor appears to guide and support them.
Krishna shakes Arjuna’s inner self and awakens him —
Abandoning duty is not a solution.
Life’s challenges are what make a person great.
Lessons from this Shloka:
- Do not let the mind weaken in times of difficulty.
- Do not abandon duty because of emotions.
- A noble person performs righteousness even in crises.
- Cowardice is not the path of life; courage is the true direction.
