Chapter 2, Verse 2
श्रीभगवानुवाच | कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम् | अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन ॥2॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca | kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ viṣame samupasthitam | anārya-juṣṭam asvargyam akīrti-karam arjuna
"The Blessed Lord said: O Arjuna, how has this infatuation overtaken you at this odd hour? It is shunned by noble souls; neither will it bring heaven, nor fame to you."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this pivotal verse, Krishna begins his discourse by challenging Arjuna's dejection. The word 'Arya' is used not as a racial label, but as a standard of high moral and spiritual culture. Krishna identifies Arjuna's sudden weakness as 'Kashmalam' (mental impurity/infatuation) that is inappropriate for a person of his stature ('Anarya-jushtam'). He warns that such a state leads to 'Akirti' (infamy) and 'Asvargyam' (blocking spiritual progress). Krishna intentionally makes Arjuna uncomfortable to trigger a search for higher truth, as discontentment with confusion is often the first step toward enlightenment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 2.2?
The Blessed Lord said: O Arjuna, how has this infatuation overtaken you at this odd hour? It is shunned by noble souls; neither will it bring heaven, nor fame to you.