Chapter 3, Verse 1
अर्जुन उवाच |
ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन |
तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव ॥1॥
arjuna uvāca
jyāyasī cet karmaṇas te matā buddhir janārdana
tat kiṃ karmaṇi ghore māṃ niyojayasi keśava
"Arjuna said: If You consider knowledge (buddhi) to be superior to action (karma), O Janardana, then why do You urge me to engage in this terrible deed, O Keshava?"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.1 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.1 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna is experiencing a cognitive dissonance. In the previous chapter, Krishna praised 'Buddhi-yoga' (the yoga of intellect/wisdom) as a means to transcend the bondage of karma. However, He also commanded Arjuna to perform his duty as a warrior. Arjuna perceives a contradiction: if enlightenment comes from cultivating a steady intellect and transcending desires, why must he participate in a violent and 'ghore' (terrible) war? This verse highlights the common spiritual seeker's dilemma between 'Nivritti' (renunciation/contemplation) and 'Pravritti' (active engagement in the world).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.1?
Arjuna said: If You consider knowledge (buddhi) to be superior to action (karma), O Janardana, then why do You urge me to engage in this terrible deed, O Keshava?