Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 6
na chaitadvidmaḥ kataranno garīyo
yadvā jayema yadi vā no jayeyuḥ
yāneva hatvā na jijīviṣhāmas
te ’vasthitāḥ pramukhe dhārtarāṣhṭrāḥ
Simple English Meaning:
Sanjaya said — At that time, Arjuna was deeply confused and overwhelmed with doubt. He could not understand what was better for him — whether he should achieve victory in the war or be defeated by his enemies. The very sons of Dhritarashtra, whom he did not wish to kill even to survive, were all standing before him on the battlefield. In this state of dilemma, Arjuna’s mind was completely disturbed.
Detailed Explanation:
This verse describes the moment on the battlefield of Kurukshetra when Arjuna had lost the power to make a decision. His mind was unclear about whether participating in the war would bring him any benefit. Both victory and defeat appeared painful to him.
Arjuna’s greatest dilemma was that those Kauravas whom he had to kill to achieve victory were his own relatives, his kin, and they were all standing in front of him ready for battle. This filled his heart with compassion, attachment, and sorrow.
In this verse, Sanjaya informs Dhritarashtra about Arjuna’s unstable mental condition. He was neither able to decide to fight nor could he muster the courage to withdraw.
- “na chaite vidmaḥ” — Arjuna does not know what is truly best for him.
- “yad vā jayem” — Even victory does not bring him joy.
- “na jijīviṣāmaḥ” — Those whom he must kill to survive are exactly those standing before him.
In this state, Arjuna’s discernment was completely clouded.
Deeper (Spiritual) Meaning:
This verse illustrates that when a person is caught between personal relationships, emotions, and attachments, their judgment becomes confused. Arjuna’s condition reflects every human being who struggles between duty and emotions in life.
By acknowledging that he does not know what is best, Arjuna is experiencing the breaking of his ego. It is precisely in this state that Lord Krishna, not only his charioteer but also the guide of his inner self, begins to reveal the ultimate truth of life.
From here begins the divine dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, which eventually forms the Bhagavad Gita — a guide for all humanity.
