Chapter 3 – Karma Yoga
Shloka 2
Vyāmiśhreṇeva vākyena buddhiṁ mohayasīva me ।
Tad ekaṁ vada niśchitya yena śhreyo ’ham āpnuyām ॥2॥
Simple Meaning
Arjuna said:
O Krishna! Your words seem confusing to me, as if they are mixing different ideas and bewildering my understanding. Therefore, please tell me clearly the one path by which I may attain the highest good.
Detailed Explanation
Arjuna’s Deep Confusion
In the previous teachings, Lord Krishna explained both spiritual wisdom and the importance of performing duty. Because of this, Arjuna becomes even more confused.
He feels that Krishna’s instructions appear mixed—sometimes praising knowledge and renunciation, and at other times encouraging action and duty.
Mixed Instructions
The phrase “Vyāmiśhreṇeva vākyena” means “by seemingly mixed statements.”
Arjuna is unable to understand which path is truly better:
- the path of knowledge and renunciation,
or - the path of action and duty.
Therefore, he requests Krishna to give one clear and definite teaching.
Desire for the Highest Good
Arjuna is not asking for temporary happiness or worldly success.
He sincerely wishes to know the path that leads to “śhreyaḥ” — ultimate welfare, spiritual progress, and liberation.
This shows Arjuna’s genuine desire for truth and clarity.
Beginning of Clear Guidance
This verse prepares the foundation for the teachings of Karma Yoga.
Lord Krishna will soon explain that knowledge and action are not opposed to each other.
He will teach that selfless action performed without attachment is the true path to spiritual growth.
Key Points
- Arjuna feels confused by Krishna’s seemingly mixed teachings
- He seeks one clear spiritual path
- He desires ultimate welfare and liberation
- The verse highlights the human struggle of confusion in spiritual life
- Krishna will explain the harmony between wisdom and action
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse reflects a universal human dilemma.
People often become confused when faced with multiple spiritual ideas and philosophies.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that clarity comes not from escaping life, but from understanding the right way to live and act.
True spirituality is achieved when action is performed with wisdom, surrender, and freedom from attachment.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Vyāmiśhreṇa – Mixed / confusing
Eva – Indeed
Vākyena – By words or statements
Buddhim – Understanding / intellect
Mohayasi – Confuse
Iva – As if
Me – My
Tat – Therefore
Ekam – One
Vada – Tell
Niśchitya – Certainly / decisively
Yena – By which
Śhreyaḥ – Highest good / welfare
Aham – I
Āpnuyām – May attain
Message of the Verse
Arjuna requests clear and definite guidance from Lord Krishna because he feels confused between different spiritual paths. Through this question, the Bhagavad Gita begins revealing the deeper truth that wisdom and selfless action together lead to the highest spiritual realization.
