Chapter 2 – Sāṅkhya Yoga
Verse 9
sañjaya uvācha
evam-uktvā hṛiṣhīkeśhaṁ guḍākeśhaḥ parantapa
na yotsya iti govindam uktvā tūṣhṇīṁ babhūva ha
Simple English Meaning
Sanjaya said—After speaking in this manner to Lord Krishna (Hrishikesha), Arjuna (Gudakesha), the conqueror of sleep and the mighty warrior who subdues enemies, said to Govinda, “I will not fight,” and then fell silent.
Detailed Explanation:
In this verse, Sanjaya describes to King Dhritarashtra the condition of Arjuna after he has fully expressed his inner feelings before Lord Krishna.
Arjuna has openly expressed his fear, sorrow, compassion, and mental conflict. He clearly states that he will not fight. After saying this, Arjuna has nothing more to add, and therefore he becomes silent.
This silence is not merely the absence of words; it reflects Arjuna’s deep mental exhaustion, confusion, and inner struggle. He stands at one of the most difficult turning points of his life.
This verse also shows that Arjuna has not yet completely surrendered. He has spoken his thoughts and then paused. From this point onward, Lord Krishna’s divine instruction is about to begin.
Word-by-Word Meaning:
sañjaya uvācha– Sanjaya said.
evam uktvā hṛiṣhīkeśham – After speaking in this way to Lord Krishna.
guḍākeśhaḥ parantapa – Arjuna, the conqueror of sleep and the subduer of enemies.
na yotsya iti govindam uktvā – Saying to Govinda, “I will not fight.”
tūṣhṇīṁ babhūva ha – He became silent.
Deep Spiritual Meaning:
This verse portrays the state of a person who, after expressing all sorrow, fear, and confusion, feels inwardly empty.
Arjuna’s silence indicates that—
- He has spoken to the full extent of his ego and reasoning
- He now has no solution of his own
- A state of inner emptiness and waiting has arisen within him
From a spiritual perspective, this silence becomes the doorway to divine wisdom. When a person quiets the mind and ego, the words of the Guru can truly enter the heart.
