Bhagvad-Gita: Treatise of Self-help - Page 13/50

Chapter 2 - All about Life

This character defining chapter of the Gita comprising 72slokas, known assaankhya yoga, Realization through Knowledge, is regarded by many, as the peerless part of the great epic. Arjuna’s dilemma, meanwhile, turns into grief, as the horrific prospect of slaying Bhishma, his revered granduncle, and Drona, his venerated guru, sinks into his consciousness. Bogged down by sentiment, Arjuna appeals to Lord Krishna for guidance. The Lord’s response starting with the epoch making eleventhsloka,

‘Averring as knowing

Worried over trivia!

Reckon never wise

Dead and alive both,’

is indeed the curtain raiser to the grand discourse.

It is apparent that the sentiment of causing death and destruction plagues Arjuna. Thus, Lord Krishna brings the very issue to the fore to dispel the unwarranted fear of death by stressing upon the trans-migratory nature of the indwelling spirit of all beings. Then the Lord proceeds to enlighten Arjuna about his duty to fight as a warrior besides touching upon the infamy of surrender.

To enable Arjuna overcome the predicament of attachment, Lord Krishna elaborates upon the precepts and practices of detached action, besides its spiritual and philosophical connotations. As a way of caution, the Lord finally explains to Arjuna how his sensual nature hinders man to act in true detachment. This chapter, indeed, is the spectrum supreme of the kaleidoscope of wisdom that Bhagavad Gita is.

1

Thus spoke Sanjaya:

In pity Krishna

Addressed Arjuna,

Bogged in sorrow

With tears profuse.

2

Thus spoke the Lord:

Oh, what affliction

At this juncture!

Wholly un-Aryan

Unholy as well!!

3

Mind-set impotent that unnerves

Strengthen thou for fight on hand.

4

Thus spoke Arjuna:

Adore as I, how dare I

Make Bhishma ’n Dron target?

5

Better I go with begging bowl

Than earn disgrace slaying them,

Would the scepter ever glitter

In the bloodstained hands of mine?

6

Those us oppose

We hate hurting,

What use war

Who victors are?

7

About my duty I’m in doubt

Tell me kindly what is right.

8

Beset by doubts,

Saddled by grief

Would I be joyous

Were I the king?

9

Thus spoke Sanjaya:

Bent to rescind

Arjun had no more to speak.

10

Make I privy O my Lord

Speaks as Krishna to Arjun

Stood who there in confusion.

11

Thus spoke the Lord:

Averring as knowing

Worried over trivia!

Reckon never wise

Dead and alive both.

12

You and Me

As well these,

Have had past

Future as well.

13

Wise all realize

Embodies selfsame spirit in one

From birth to death, in every birth.

14

Sensual feelings, grief ’n joy

Transient are like, heat and cold.