Summarized by Partha:
Bhagwad Gita chapter 2 -
Yoga of knowledge is considered by many as a synopsis of the entire Bhagwad Gita. Some scholars consider that the original Bhagwad Gita ended with slokas of chapter 2 and the further chapters were elaborations done by other rishis.
These are inspiring and invigorating slokas that bring Arjuna back from the stupor he was in. The following can be considered as the rough breakup of the slokas in this chapter:
Slokas 1 - 10 : Arjuna’s continued depression and subsequent surrender to the Lord.
Slokas 11 - 46: Sankhya / Brahma Gyana
Slokas 47 - 60: Karma Yoga
Slokas 61 - 70: Bhakti Yoga
Slokas 71 - 72: Sanyasa Yoga/ Yoga of renunciation
Bhagwad Gita also portrays how one should handle a patient under distress. Krishna had allowed Arjuna to vent out all his emotions, his verbose convoluted reasonings, till he reaches a point of complete distress. And when out of desperation Arjuna seeks Krishna’s help, he readily offers it. In the slokas 11 - 46 he describes Sankhya Yoga or the Brahma Gyana. This is the highest philosophy and in a sense can be compared to “Surgery” performed on the patient (Arjuna). Later, he expounds the Karma Yoga. This is the philosophy of action and can be compared to “Secondary Medicine” provided to the patient. In the next set of slokas he tells Arjuna the Bhakti Yoga. This is the yoga of devotion and can be compared to “Supplemental Medicine” provided to the patient. The last few slokas are about Sanyasa Yoga or Yoga of renunciation.
We should note that there are multiple paths described in chapter 2. Each of these paths have their relevance at different circumstances and for different personalities. The same concepts are explained in more detail in subsequent chapters.
We should also note the objective of a serious student of Bhagwad Gita is not to pass judgement on the state of Arjuna and admire the advice of Krishna. We should understand that even the great warrior like Arjuna could shatter. We should understand the philosophies explained by Krishna. Bhagwad Gita in general and chapter 2 in particular, is not just about reading, it is about attempting to live the principles described in it.
Summary of verses 1-3.
Bhagwad Gita chapter 2 starts with Sanjaya describing the continued sorrow state that Arjuna was in. He had cast away his bow & arrow. The veneer of battle hardiness was removed. He sat exposed, agitated and teary eyed in front of Krishna.
Krishna, seeing the sad state of Arjuna, taunts Arjuna. He does not understand why Arjuna is in such an perilous “un-Aryan” like state. (Aryan in this case come from the root Arya in sanskrit that mean noble/good). He scolds him for being in this dejected and disgraceful state.
He continues on to compare him with an impotent person. Warning him to not act like one. Asking him to cast off the weakness. Telling him to stand up and fight. Krishna addresses Arjuna as "Paran-tapa" - the destroyer of foes.
Krishna’s strong stern remarks could be designed to bring Arjuna out of the weakness he was in. It could also be designed to make him completely surrender to him.
Subjective Interpretation: The debate Arjuna had with himself in chapter 1 can be subjectively compared with the pseudo ego and intellect at play. Each trying to justify a wrong behavior. While this is going on inner conscience does not interfere. It is only when both the pseudo ego and the intellect give up, and when the mind seeks refuge in the supreme, it is then that inner conscience comes out to rescue. On our complete surrender does the inner conscience do a course correction and bring us back.
Meditation Tip: a similar thing can happen when meditating. You could have multiple thoughts and tendencies surfacing up. We should wait and watch. Reacting to these would mean drifting in their current. Under this bombardment, we should make a mental note of this and allow them to subside till we reach the inner self.
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