Chapter 2, Verse 1
सञ्जय उवाच |
तं तथा कृपयाविष्टमश्रुपूर्णाकुलेक्षणम् |
विषीदन्तमिदं वाक्यमुवाच मधुसूदन: ॥ 1 ॥
sañjaya uvāca |
taṁ tathā kṛpayāviṣṭam aśru-pūrṇākulekṣaṇam |
viṣīdantam idaṁ vākyam uvāca madhusūdanaḥ || 1 ||
"Sanjaya said: To him who had been thus filled with pity, whose eyes were filled with tears and showed distress, and who was sorrowing, Madhusudana (Krishna) uttered these words."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.1 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.1 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse marks the transition from Arjuna’s breakdown to Krishna’s instruction. Sanjaya describes Arjuna using three specific conditions: 'kṛpayā-āviṣṭam' (overwhelmed by pity), 'aśru-pūrṇa-akulekṣaṇam' (eyes full of tears and distressed), and 'viṣīdantam' (lamenting). The use of the name 'Madhusudana' for Krishna is significant; as the slayer of the demon Madhu, He is now invoked as the slayer of the 'demon of doubt' and 'misplaced pity' that has paralyzed Arjuna. The commentary distinguishes between divine compassion (focused on the soul) and material pity (focused on the temporary body), identifying Arjuna's state as the latter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 2.1?
Sanjaya said: To him who had been thus filled with pity, whose eyes were filled with tears and showed distress, and who was sorrowing, Madhusudana (Krishna) uttered these words.