Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 7 (BG 2.7) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

2.7 कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः with nature overpowered by the taint of pity? पृच्छामि I ask? त्वाम् Thee? धर्मसंमूढचेताः with a mind in confusion about duty? यत् which? श्रेयः good? स्यात् may be? निश्चितम् decisively? ब्रूहि say? तत् that? मे for me? शिष्यः disciple? ते Thy? अहम् I? शाधि teach? माम् me? त्वाम् to Thee? प्रपन्नम् taken refuge.No commentary.

Commentaries

Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.

This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.

Modern

BG 2.7 Finding himself utterly helpless and entirely incapable of making any decision, Arjun surrenders himself completely to the Lord's refuge. He acknowledges that his mental state has become corrupted. He himself reveals that the primary cause is an excess of compassion. Due to ignorance, he cannot understand that his compassion is unfounded. He admits that his intellect is clouded regarding whether to fight or not to fight, and therefore he cannot discern between dharma and adharma. We have already examined the meaning of the word dharma. That essential quality of a thing by which its very existence is established is called the dharma of that thing. Hindu philosophy emphasizes human dharma, which means that each person should live in accordance with their pure divine nature, and should strive to maintain the greatness of their true self and not live a life of mere animal existence. Here Arjun approaches the Lord's refuge with the attitude of a sincere disciple, which indicates that he has now become worthy of receiving instruction and will follow the Lord's teachings. There is also an indication of something further: if Arjun, out of ignorance, repeatedly presents his doubts and asks questions, the Lord must answer them with compassion and patience. Throughout the entire Bhagavad Gita, we see Arjun expressing doubts even during Krishna's teachings at many points, yet we never see Sri Krishna losing patience. Not only this, but with each question Arjun asks, Krishna becomes even more enthusiastic in answering him on the battlefield.