सञ्जय उवाच ।
तं तथा कृपयाविष्टमश्रुपूर्णाकुलेक्षणम् ।
विषीदन्तमिदं वाक्यमुवाच मधुसूदनः ॥ २-१॥
sañjaya uvāca
taṃ tathā kṛpayāviṣṭamaśrupūrṇākulekṣaṇam
viṣīdantamidaṃ vākyamuvāca madhusūdanaḥ
Sanjaya said: To him who was thus overcome with pity and despondency, with eyes full of tears and agitated, Madhusudana spoke these words.
sañjaya uvāca = Sanjaya said; taṃ = unto Arjuna; tathā = thus; kṛpayā = by compassion; āviṣṭaṃ = overwhelmed; aśrūpūrṇākula = full of tears; īkṣaṇaṃ = eyes; viṣīdantaṃ = lamenting; idaṃ = these; vākyaṃ = words; uvāca = said; madhusūdanaḥ = the killer of Madhu.;
Commentary:
Sanjaya, the narrator of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, describes Arjuna’s state of mind. Arjuna is depicted as overwhelmed by pity, compassion, and confusion. The magnitude of the impending battle, where he would have to fight against his own relatives and beloved teachers, has deeply affected him. His eyes are filled with tears, indicating his emotional turmoil.
Krishna, known as Madhusudana (the destroyer of the demon Madhu), observes Arjuna’s mental distress and begins to address him, initiating the spiritual discourse that forms the essence of the Bhagavad Gita. It is important to note that Krishna’s intention is not merely to console Arjuna but to guide him towards self-realization and spiritual enlightenment.
This verse sets the stage for the teachings to come, emphasizing the significance of addressing Arjuna’s emotional and psychological state before imparting spiritual wisdom. Krishna recognizes the need to alleviate Arjuna’s confusion and despair, paving the way for him to comprehend the deeper truths of life and his own divine nature.
The subsequent verses of Chapter 2 delve into various philosophical concepts, practical wisdom, and the nature of the eternal soul. The teachings encompass topics such as the impermanence of the physical body, the immortality of the soul, the duty of a warrior, the concept of detachment, and the path to self-realization.
The dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna serves as a guide not only for Arjuna but for all individuals seeking clarity, purpose, and spiritual growth amidst the challenges of life. The teachings in Chapter 2 are highly regarded for their profound insights into human existence and the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha).
It is important to study the entire chapter and the subsequent chapters of the Bhagavad Gita to gain a comprehensive understanding of the wisdom imparted by Krishna and its relevance to one’s own spiritual journey.