Chapter 2, Verse 4
अर्जुन उवाच |
कथं भीष्ममहं सङ्ख्ये द्रोणं च मधुसूदन |
इषुभि: प्रतियोत्स्यामि पूजार्हावरिसूदन ॥ 4 ॥
arjuna uvāca
kathaṁ bhīṣmam ahaṁ saṅkhye droṇaṁ ca madhusūdana
iṣubhiḥ pratiyotsyāmi pūjārhāv arisūdana
"Arjuna said: O Madhusudana, how can I counter-attack with arrows in battle men like Bhishma and Drona, who are worthy of my worship, O slayer of enemies?"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.4 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.4 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna is grappling with a profound ethical crisis. He contrasts the roles of his opponents—Bhishma (his grandfather/patriarch) and Drona (his martial teacher)—with the act of war. He uses the term 'Pūjārhau' (worthy of worship) to emphasize that according to Vedic tradition, one should not even speak harshly to elders or teachers, let alone pierce them with arrows. By addressing Krishna as 'Madhusudana' (Slayer of the demon Madhu) and 'Arisūdana' (Slayer of enemies), Arjuna highlights a sharp irony: Krishna kills demons and enemies, but Arjuna is being asked to kill those who deserve his highest reverence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 2.4?
Arjuna said: O Madhusudana, how can I counter-attack with arrows in battle men like Bhishma and Drona, who are worthy of my worship, O slayer of enemies?