Summarized by Prarthana:
BG Chapter-2: Verse 4 and 5 continue to demonstrate the emotional and drooping mind of Arjuna, wallowing in self pity over his plight of having to shoot arrows at his own Bhishma Pita and his beloved Guru. His strong identification with the pseudo self and lack of identification with the higher cause of the war makes him say that he would rather live off the life of a beggar than contine with his dharma as a grihasta/ family man who cannot beg for alms but must work to earn a living and protect and preserve others as well.
Verse 6 – Arjuna shows poor intellectual clarity as he wonders if there is really a difference if he
conquers the sons of Dhritarasrtra or they conquer him. Of note here was the discussion on our choices in such a mental state:
When the mind is agitated and the pseudo self and vasanas are over powering attempt to do
something for a higher cause – go volunteer, do something to help someone else. Sleep also can
calm the pseudoself as it is a state where the pseudo self is temporarily abolished in the sleep
state.
Working on the higher cause will not solve the problem – it will reduce the turmoil
Having to decide between a right and another right will always be a tough decision. Most
choices in our lives are never between right and wrong.
When in search of solutions actively look for the Guru who will teach us and impart objective
knowledge that makes us independent in further situations rather than the good intentioned
human who offers advice and tries to soften the situation with the kindness of his words only to
start the endless cycle of dependency on his words to find solutions for all problems.
In verses 7,8,9 Arjuna describes his mental and intellectual breakdown in steps stating that is heart is filled with sorrow, mind is unclear about his duty and next course of action. Fortunately for Arjuna at
this point he completely surrenders himself to Krishna and asks him to show him the way and tell him what to do. He also makes it clear that in the meantime, he will not fight.
In verse 10, Vyasa brings forth the description of Krishna as Hrishikesha or one who has conquered the senses, and Arjuna as Gudakesha (one who has conquered his sleep/ laziness). He describes the larger context of the scenario – the gigantic battlefield ready to explode into war and there Lord Krishna gives Arjuna a reassuring smile before he begins to speak. Only when the ego completely surrenders to God and withdraws from worldly activites does the subtle and pure intellect provide the strength and knowledge needed.
BG Chapter-2: Verse 4 and 5 continue to demonstrate the emotional and drooping mind of Arjuna, wallowing in self pity over his plight of having to shoot arrows at his own Bhishma Pita and his beloved Guru. His strong identification with the pseudo self and lack of identification with the higher cause of the war makes him say that he would rather live off the life of a beggar than contine with his dharma as a grihasta/ family man who cannot beg for alms but must work to earn a living and protect and preserve others as well.
Verse 6 – Arjuna shows poor intellectual clarity as he wonders if there is really a difference if he
conquers the sons of Dhritarasrtra or they conquer him. Of note here was the discussion on our choices in such a mental state:
When the mind is agitated and the pseudo self and vasanas are over powering attempt to do
something for a higher cause – go volunteer, do something to help someone else. Sleep also can
calm the pseudoself as it is a state where the pseudo self is temporarily abolished in the sleep
state.
Working on the higher cause will not solve the problem – it will reduce the turmoil
Having to decide between a right and another right will always be a tough decision. Most
choices in our lives are never between right and wrong.
When in search of solutions actively look for the Guru who will teach us and impart objective
knowledge that makes us independent in further situations rather than the good intentioned
human who offers advice and tries to soften the situation with the kindness of his words only to
start the endless cycle of dependency on his words to find solutions for all problems.
In verses 7,8,9 Arjuna describes his mental and intellectual breakdown in steps stating that is heart is filled with sorrow, mind is unclear about his duty and next course of action. Fortunately for Arjuna at
this point he completely surrenders himself to Krishna and asks him to show him the way and tell him what to do. He also makes it clear that in the meantime, he will not fight.
In verse 10, Vyasa brings forth the description of Krishna as Hrishikesha or one who has conquered the senses, and Arjuna as Gudakesha (one who has conquered his sleep/ laziness). He describes the larger context of the scenario – the gigantic battlefield ready to explode into war and there Lord Krishna gives Arjuna a reassuring smile before he begins to speak. Only when the ego completely surrenders to God and withdraws from worldly activites does the subtle and pure intellect provide the strength and knowledge needed.
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