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Chapter 2 · Contents of the Gītā Summarized · 72 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Questions & crisisChapter 2 · Contents of the Gītā Summarized

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 2.9

Grief, confusion, and Arjuna accepting discipleship

Karma · Action

सञ्जय उवाच

एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशः परन्तपः ।

न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दामुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह ॥ ९ ॥

sañjaya uvāca

evam uktvā hṛṣīkeśaṁ

guḍākeśaḥ paran-tapaḥ

na yotsya iti govindam

uktvā tūṣṇīṁ babhūva ha

Translation

Sañjaya said: Having spoken thus, Arjuna, chastiser of enemies, told Kṛṣṇa, “Govinda, I shall not fight,” and fell silent.

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

1
Arjuna told Kṛṣṇa, “Govinda, I shall not fight,” and fell silent.
2
Though overcome by false grief from family affection, Arjuna surrendered as a disciple to Kṛṣṇa, the supreme spiritual master.
3
Kṛṣṇa would free Arjuna from false grief through knowledge of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Arjuna would then fight, ending Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s joy.

Key points from the purport

Arjuna refuses to fight — Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”