Chapter 2, Verse 7
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभाव: पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेता: | यच्छ्रेय: स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥7॥
kārpaṇya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ pṛcchāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ | yac-chreyaḥ syān niścitaṁ brūhi tan-me śiṣyas te ’haṁ śādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam
"With my nature overpowered by the flaw of weak compassion, with a mind bewildered about duty, I pray to You. Tell me for certain that which is better for me; I am Your disciple. Instruct me, who have taken refuge in You."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.7 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.7 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse marks a pivotal transformation in the Bhagavad Gita: Arjuna's transition from a friend to a disciple. He acknowledges his 'kārpaṇya-doṣa' (the flaw of miserliness/weakness) which has clouded his 'svabhāva' (inherent nature). He admits to being 'dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ' (confused about his righteous duty). Most importantly, he seeks 'śreyas'—the ultimate, long-term spiritual good—rather than 'preyas', or immediate worldly comfort. This surrender to a Guru is presented as the essential step for anyone seeking to cross the ocean of material confusion and attain absolute truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 2.7?
With my nature overpowered by the flaw of weak compassion, with a mind bewildered about duty, I pray to You. Tell me for certain that which is better for me; I am Your disciple. Instruct me, who have taken refuge in You.