kārpaṇya-doṣhopahata-svabhāvaḥ
pṛichchhāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-chetāḥ
yach-chhreyaḥ syānniśhchitaṁ brūhi tanme
śhiṣhyaste ’haṁ śhādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam
kārpaṇya-doṣha — the flaw of cowardice;
upahata — besieged;
sva-bhāvaḥ — nature;
pṛichchhāmi — I am asking;
tvām — to you;
dharma — duty;
sammūḍha — confused;
chetāḥ — in heart;
yat — what;
śhreyaḥ — best;
syāt — may be;
niśhchitam — decisively;
brūhi — tell;
tat — that;
me — to me;
śhiṣhyaḥ — disciple;
te — your;
aham — I;
śhādhi — please instruct;
mām — me;
tvām — unto you;
prapannam — surrendered
In this verse, Arjuna, who is a warrior, feels very lost and unsure about what he should do in a tough situation. He’s standing on a battlefield, facing his own family and mentors, and he feels a deep conflict inside him. Basically, he’s saying, 'I’m confused about my responsibilities. I’m feeling weak and unable to think straight. I need your help to understand what the right thing to do is.'
This confusion is something we all can relate to at times. In life, we often face situations where we feel trapped or unsure about what decision to make, just like Arjuna. It could be in big decisions like choosing a career, dealing with family issues, or even facing conflicts in relationships. Many times, we may feel overwhelmed by our emotions or our thoughts, and it can be hard to see a clear path forward.
Arjuna recognizes that simply relying on his own thinking hasn’t helped him find clarity. This is why he turns to Krishna, whom he sees as a spiritual teacher or guide. He admits openly that he is confused and in need of instruction. It’s like when we realize that we need advice or help from someone who knows more or who has been through similar experiences.
The interpretation goes deeper into this by discussing the nature of confusion in life. It explains that confusion is a natural part of existence; it happens to everyone, sometimes even without any reason. Just like how unexpected fires can break out without anyone causing them, life can throw confusing and difficult scenarios at us at any time.
The solution, as suggested in the interpretation, is to seek guidance from a reliable teacher or mentor— someone who can help us sort through these confusing times and clarify our paths. This guidance is crucial because it helps us to see beyond our immediate worries and understand the larger picture of life and our responsibilities.
Arjuna also reflects on how people sometimes get too attached to their families and immediate comforts, which can lead to unhealthy confusion and a sense of helplessness. The interpretation mentions that this can also be seen in pets or birds that remain overly protective of their young, clinging to the idea that they can shield them from harm. It points out that Arjuna’s love for his family is making him feel weak and unsure about his duty to fight in the battle. He knows he has to do something, but his fear of causing harm to those he loves is pulling him in the opposite direction.
Turning to Krishna, Arjuna is not just seeking advice in a casual way; he is formally presenting himself as a disciple—someone who is ready to learn and accept guidance. This moment is significant because it highlights the importance of humility in learning. It shows that to grow and make better decisions, we sometimes need to put aside our ego and accept that we don’t have all the answers.
The commentary mentions that, despite some interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita suggesting one should not treat Krishna as an ordinary person but focus on some higher presence, this view is incorrect. It emphasizes that Krishna and the wisdom he imparts are not separate; to understand profound teachings, one must acknowledge the teacher fully.
In conclusion, this verse encapsulates the essence of seeking wisdom amid chaos. It teaches that it is wise to turn to those who have walked the path before us and can guide us through the confusing times that punctuate our lives. Just like how Arjuna seeks Krishna’s help, we too should recognize when we need guidance and be open to learning from those who have the knowledge to help us find our way.