Bhagavad Gita 2.2

Sankhya Yoga · English Translation

The Blessed Lord said Whence is this perilous strait come upon thee, this dejection which is unworthy of you, disgraceful, and which will close the gates of heaven upon you, O Arjuna?

Sanskrit

श्रीभगवानुवाच | कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम् | अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन ||२-२||

Transliteration

śrībhagavānuvāca . kutastvā kaśmalamidaṃ viṣame samupasthitam . anāryajuṣṭamasvargyamakīrtikaramarjuna ||2-2||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna gently rebukes Arjuna for his sudden depression and loss of courage on the battlefield. He points out that giving in to such fear is unbecoming of a noble warrior like him and will lead to regret rather than spiritual gain. The core teaching here is that true strength lies in maintaining one's duty even when facing overwhelming emotional difficulty, as despair blocks the path to higher states of being.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse establishes a foundational principle for Sankhya Yoga by distinguishing between spiritual wisdom (acting with duty) and material delusion (emotional attachment). It introduces the concept of 'Arya' behavior, teaching that true nobility is defined by one's ability to transcend fleeting emotions in favor of eternal dharma.

Word by Word

कुतः whence, त्वा upon thee, कश्मलम् dejection, इदम् this, विषमे in perilous strait, समुपस्थितम् comes, अनार्यजुष्टम् unworthy (unaryanlike), अस्वर्ग्यम् heavenexcluding, अकीर्तिकरम् disgraceful, अर्जुन O Arjuna. No commentary.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs immediately after Arjuna's famous declaration of refusing to fight his own relatives and teachers on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He has dropped his bow and arrows in a state of deep moral confusion and grief, overwhelmed by attachment and fear of sin. Lord Krishna responds not with anger but as a compassionate teacher addressing a student who has lost their focus at a critical moment.

Living It Out Today

Consider a professional facing the daunting task of delivering difficult feedback to an underperforming employee or leading a team through a major restructuring. Instead of avoiding the conversation out of fear of conflict, one must recognize that hesitation is unproductive and damages long-term trust within the organization. Taking immediate, principled action despite personal discomfort ensures clarity and prevents the stagnation that comes from procrastination.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are playing your favorite game but suddenly feel so scared or sad that you want to quit and hide under a blanket. Krishna tells Arjuna just like he would tell a friend: 'That feeling is not right for someone as brave as you, and hiding won't make the problem go away.' Just like finishing a tough level in a video game gives you more power than quitting does, facing your fears with courage opens up better things for everyone.

Daily Reflection

It feels so heavy right now when you feel like giving up or losing hope, doesn't it? Krishna gently reminds you that this momentary clouding of judgment does not define your soul or your potential for greatness. You are being called to rise above the fear of failure because true virtue lies in standing firm in what is right.

A Practice for Today

Pause to acknowledge that moments of dejection are often temporary shadows, not your true nature. Sit with the question of what is 'unworthy' about feeling human vulnerability versus acting from a place of duty and clarity.

Key Teachings

The Nature of Dejection
Krishna identifies Arjuna's sorrow as 'kaśmalam,' a mental impurity that clouds judgment and leads to paralysis. This teaching warns against letting temporary emotional states dictate our actions or self-worth.
Dignity of the Seeker
The Lord uses the term 'anārya' (unworthy) to indicate that yielding to despair is beneath a noble soul who seeks spiritual growth. One's conduct should always reflect their highest potential rather than succumbing to base emotions.
Consequences of Inaction
The verse explicitly states that such dejection leads to 'akīrti' (disgrace) and blocks the path to heaven, emphasizing the link between mental state and spiritual destiny. Maintaining equanimity is not just a psychological tool but a prerequisite for liberation.

Themes

dutyfearcourageemotional_controlspiritual_obstaclesnobility_of_character

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 18.66 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'anarya justam' mean in this verse?

'Anarya justam' translates to that which is unworthy or unbecoming of a noble person. Krishna uses this phrase to highlight that giving in to temporary weakness contradicts the inherent nobility and duty expected of Arjuna as a warrior.

Why does Lord Krishna warn about closing the gates of heaven?

Krishna explains that yielding to despair prevents one from performing their righteous duty, which is essential for spiritual progress. He implies that actions driven by fear and attachment rather than dharma can lead to negative karmic consequences.

Is this verse only about fighting a physical war?

No, the battle of Kurukshetra serves as a metaphor for the internal struggle between our higher self and lower emotions. Krishna teaches that we must fight against our own fears, doubts, and attachments in daily life just as Arjuna was instructed to do.

How does this verse relate to modern mental health?

This teaching addresses how avoiding difficult responsibilities due to anxiety can lead to greater regret and loss of self-respect. It encourages facing challenges with courage rather than succumbing to paralysis, which is a key aspect of building resilience in the face of stress.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 2.2 →