Arjun’s doubt & surrender (2.1 – 2.10)

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

1. Academic knowledge, scholarship & position are useless in solving material perplexities or problems of life (as we see that Arjuna’s argument based on unlimited knowledge of religious principles and moral codes failed to help him)

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

1. The purport (essence) of the verse is to “Approach a bona-fide spiritual master (one in bona-fide parampara) to come out of material perplexities and for proper guidance to execute the purpose of life”

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. Dharma-sastra vs Artha-sastra – Although Artha-sastra (Rules of politics and sociology) recommends killing of such aggressors, Arjuna gives more weight to Dharma-sastra (religious principles) which promotes forgiveness

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. Superiors are always respectable – Should never be fought back even if they attack

THEME: Arjuna prefers begging rather than to live at the cost of great souls

Learnings from Purport 2.5

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

A teacher is fit to be abandoned if he:
o Engages in abominable action
o Has lost his sense of discrimination – e.g. Bhisma and Drona taking the side of Dhuyodhana because of his financial assistance
But Arjuna still prefers forgiveness – Because of the unique kind of aggressors i.e seniors and relatives (teachers, grandfathers etc)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. Superiors are always respectable – Should never be fought back even if they attack

THEME: Arjuna prefers begging rather than to live at the cost of great souls

Learnings from Purport 2.5

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

A teacher is fit to be abandoned if he:
o Engages in abominable action
o Has lost his sense of discrimination – e.g. Bhisma and Drona taking the side of Dhuyodhana because of his financial assistance
But Arjuna still prefers forgiveness – Because of the unique kind of aggressors i.e seniors and relatives (teachers, grandfathers etc)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. Importance of Krishna being referred to as ‘Bhagavan’ (Ultimate feature of the Absolute Truth)

2. Definition of Bhagavan by Parasara Muni – All six opulences in full (Only Krishna can claim to have all six in full)

9. Hrdoya Daurbalyam (Weakness of heart) – Refers to false magnanimity shown to Bhisma and
Drona, which Arjuna uses as a justification point to avoid the battle

THEME: Arjuna counter-argues with Krishna and tries to prove his strong heartedness by the following arguments (Krishna had accused Arjuna of weak heartedness in Text 2.3)

Learnings from Purport 2.4

These are some of the arguments in Arjuna’s mind while speaking these verses:

1. Superiors are always respectable – Should never be fought back even if they attack

Respectable superiors should never be fought back
They are always worshipable
Srila Prabhupada says in the purport “It is the general etiquette that superiors are not to be
offered a verbal fight even if sometimes they are harsh in behavior”

2. Arjuna in a mood of challenging Krishna

Would Krishna counter-attack Urgasena (His own grandfather) or Sandipani Muni (His own
teacher)

THEME: Arjuna prefers begging rather than to live at the cost of great souls

Learnings from Purport 2.5

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

A teacher is fit to be abandoned if he:
o Engages in abominable action
o Has lost his sense of discrimination – e.g. Bhisma and Drona taking the side of Dhuyodhana because of his financial assistance
But Arjuna still prefers forgiveness – Because of the unique kind of aggressors i.e seniors and relatives (teachers, grandfathers etc)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. Importance of Krishna being referred to as ‘Bhagavan’ (Ultimate feature of the Absolute Truth)

2. Definition of Bhagavan by Parasara Muni – All six opulences in full (Only Krishna can claim to have all six in full)

9. Hrdoya Daurbalyam (Weakness of heart) – Refers to false magnanimity shown to Bhisma and
Drona, which Arjuna uses as a justification point to avoid the battle

THEME: Arjuna counter-argues with Krishna and tries to prove his strong heartedness by the following arguments (Krishna had accused Arjuna of weak heartedness in Text 2.3)

Learnings from Purport 2.4

These are some of the arguments in Arjuna’s mind while speaking these verses:

1. Superiors are always respectable – Should never be fought back even if they attack

Respectable superiors should never be fought back
They are always worshipable
Srila Prabhupada says in the purport “It is the general etiquette that superiors are not to be
offered a verbal fight even if sometimes they are harsh in behavior”

2. Arjuna in a mood of challenging Krishna

Would Krishna counter-attack Urgasena (His own grandfather) or Sandipani Muni (His own
teacher)

THEME: Arjuna prefers begging rather than to live at the cost of great souls

Learnings from Purport 2.5

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

A teacher is fit to be abandoned if he:
o Engages in abominable action
o Has lost his sense of discrimination – e.g. Bhisma and Drona taking the side of Dhuyodhana because of his financial assistance
But Arjuna still prefers forgiveness – Because of the unique kind of aggressors i.e seniors and relatives (teachers, grandfathers etc)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. Signs of ignorance of real self – Material compassion, lamentation and tears

2. Definition of ‘sudra’ – To lament for outward dress (gross body) or one who laments
unnecessarily

3. ‘Ignorance’ vs ‘Self-realisation’ – Compassion for the eternal soul is self-realisation

5. Why Bhagavad-gita was spoken – To dissipate the lamentation of the ignorant man

COMMON THEME : Krishna’s response seeing Arjuna’s lamentation – Krishna condemns by following words:

Non-Aryan (अनार्य) (2.2)
Kasmalam (कश्मलम्)– implies impurities (2.2)
Klaibyam (क्लैब्यम्)– implies impotent (नपुंसकता) (2.3)
Hrdoya daurbalyam (हृदय दौर्बल्यम्) – implies weakness of heart (2.3)

Learnings from Purport 2.2 – 2.3

1. Importance of Krishna being referred to as ‘Bhagavan’ (Ultimate feature of the Absolute Truth)

Three phases of Absolute Truth – Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan (Ref. SB 1.2.11)
Bhaktas are the topmost transcendentalists – because they have realized the Bhagavan feature, the topmost feature of the Absolute Truth (Analogy of the Sun – study purport)

2. Definition of Bhagavan by Parasara Muni – All six opulences in full (Only Krishna can claim to have all six in full)

3. Supporting references on Krishna’s supremacy

Ref. Brahma Samhita – Krishna as the source of all, The Supreme Personality of Godhead
Ref. SB 1.3.28 “Ete camsa…” – Krishna as the source of all incarnations

4. Definition of Aryan – Civilized class of men

One who knows the value of life
Have a civilization based on spiritual realisation

5. Non-Aryans

Do not know:
o The aim of life is Vishnu
o What is liberation from material bondage
Their conception of life is:
o Led by the material conception of life
o Captivated by the external features of the material world
 Example of Non-aryan act – Arjuna, although being a ksatriya, is deviating from prescribed duties by declining to fight

6. Result of Non-Aryan act

Infamy
No progress to Higher planets
No spiritual progress

7. Kasmalam (Impurities)

Krishna expresses surprise (Word ‘kutah’ – implies ‘wherefrom’) because
o Supreme Personality of Godhead was personally present and thus such lamenation is unexpected
o Arjuna born in Aryan family (a civilised class of men) – Therefore he is not supposed to lament in ignorance

8. Klaibyam (Impotent) – He is called so because:

As Son of Ksatriya (son of Prtha) , he is not expected to avoid fighting, otherwise he is acting as an unworthy son
Arjuna was the most intimate friend of Krishna and Krishna was directly guiding him on the
chariot – Thus he is not expected to withdraw from the battlefield

9. Hrdoya Daurbalyam (Weakness of heart) – Refers to false magnanimity shown to Bhisma and
Drona, which Arjuna uses as a justification point to avoid the battle

10. Importance of Arjuna being called ‘Partha’

This indicates son of ksatriya parents; Prtha is the name of his mother
‘Partha’ also indicates that he has a blood relation with Krishna

THEME: Arjuna counter-argues with Krishna and tries to prove his strong heartedness by the following arguments (Krishna had accused Arjuna of weak heartedness in Text 2.3)

Learnings from Purport 2.4

These are some of the arguments in Arjuna’s mind while speaking these verses:

1. Superiors are always respectable – Should never be fought back even if they attack

Respectable superiors should never be fought back
They are always worshipable
Srila Prabhupada says in the purport “It is the general etiquette that superiors are not to be
offered a verbal fight even if sometimes they are harsh in behavior”

2. Arjuna in a mood of challenging Krishna

Would Krishna counter-attack Urgasena (His own grandfather) or Sandipani Muni (His own
teacher)

THEME: Arjuna prefers begging rather than to live at the cost of great souls

Learnings from Purport 2.5

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

A teacher is fit to be abandoned if he:
o Engages in abominable action
o Has lost his sense of discrimination – e.g. Bhisma and Drona taking the side of Dhuyodhana because of his financial assistance
But Arjuna still prefers forgiveness – Because of the unique kind of aggressors i.e seniors and relatives (teachers, grandfathers etc)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. Signs of ignorance of real self – Material compassion, lamentation and tears

2. Definition of ‘sudra’ – To lament for outward dress (gross body) or one who laments
unnecessarily

3. ‘Ignorance’ vs ‘Self-realisation’ – Compassion for the eternal soul is self-realisation

5. Why Bhagavad-gita was spoken – To dissipate the lamentation of the ignorant man

COMMON THEME : Krishna’s response seeing Arjuna’s lamentation – Krishna condemns by following words:

Non-Aryan (अनार्य) (2.2)
Kasmalam (कश्मलम्)– implies impurities (2.2)
Klaibyam (क्लैब्यम्)– implies impotent (नपुंसकता) (2.3)
Hrdoya daurbalyam (हृदय दौर्बल्यम्) – implies weakness of heart (2.3)

Learnings from Purport 2.2 – 2.3

1. Importance of Krishna being referred to as ‘Bhagavan’ (Ultimate feature of the Absolute Truth)

Three phases of Absolute Truth – Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan (Ref. SB 1.2.11)
Bhaktas are the topmost transcendentalists – because they have realized the Bhagavan feature, the topmost feature of the Absolute Truth (Analogy of the Sun – study purport)

2. Definition of Bhagavan by Parasara Muni – All six opulences in full (Only Krishna can claim to have all six in full)

3. Supporting references on Krishna’s supremacy

Ref. Brahma Samhita – Krishna as the source of all, The Supreme Personality of Godhead
Ref. SB 1.3.28 “Ete camsa…” – Krishna as the source of all incarnations

4. Definition of Aryan – Civilized class of men

One who knows the value of life
Have a civilization based on spiritual realisation

5. Non-Aryans

Do not know:
o The aim of life is Vishnu
o What is liberation from material bondage
Their conception of life is:
o Led by the material conception of life
o Captivated by the external features of the material world
 Example of Non-aryan act – Arjuna, although being a ksatriya, is deviating from prescribed duties by declining to fight

6. Result of Non-Aryan act

Infamy
No progress to Higher planets
No spiritual progress

7. Kasmalam (Impurities)

Krishna expresses surprise (Word ‘kutah’ – implies ‘wherefrom’) because
o Supreme Personality of Godhead was personally present and thus such lamenation is unexpected
o Arjuna born in Aryan family (a civilised class of men) – Therefore he is not supposed to lament in ignorance

8. Klaibyam (Impotent) – He is called so because:

As Son of Ksatriya (son of Prtha) , he is not expected to avoid fighting, otherwise he is acting as an unworthy son
Arjuna was the most intimate friend of Krishna and Krishna was directly guiding him on the
chariot – Thus he is not expected to withdraw from the battlefield

9. Hrdoya Daurbalyam (Weakness of heart) – Refers to false magnanimity shown to Bhisma and
Drona, which Arjuna uses as a justification point to avoid the battle

10. Importance of Arjuna being called ‘Partha’

This indicates son of ksatriya parents; Prtha is the name of his mother
‘Partha’ also indicates that he has a blood relation with Krishna

THEME: Arjuna counter-argues with Krishna and tries to prove his strong heartedness by the following arguments (Krishna had accused Arjuna of weak heartedness in Text 2.3)

Learnings from Purport 2.4

These are some of the arguments in Arjuna’s mind while speaking these verses:

1. Superiors are always respectable – Should never be fought back even if they attack

Respectable superiors should never be fought back
They are always worshipable
Srila Prabhupada says in the purport “It is the general etiquette that superiors are not to be
offered a verbal fight even if sometimes they are harsh in behavior”

2. Arjuna in a mood of challenging Krishna

Would Krishna counter-attack Urgasena (His own grandfather) or Sandipani Muni (His own
teacher)

THEME: Arjuna prefers begging rather than to live at the cost of great souls

Learnings from Purport 2.5

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

A teacher is fit to be abandoned if he:
o Engages in abominable action
o Has lost his sense of discrimination – e.g. Bhisma and Drona taking the side of Dhuyodhana because of his financial assistance
But Arjuna still prefers forgiveness – Because of the unique kind of aggressors i.e seniors and relatives (teachers, grandfathers etc)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Progress Chapter 1 50%

Arjuna’s Doubt & Surrender to Krishna (2.1-2.10)

THEME : Sanjaya describes that Krishna sees Arjuna lamenting like an ignorant man and responds.

Learnings from Purport 2.1

1. Signs of ignorance of real self – Material compassion, lamentation and tears

2. Definition of ‘sudra’ – To lament for outward dress (gross body) or one who laments
unnecessarily

Analogy: Compassion for the ‘dress of a drowning man’ is senseless
Similarly, a man fallen into the ocean of nescience cannot be saved simply by rescuing his gross body

3. ‘Ignorance’ vs ‘Self-realisation’ – Compassion for the eternal soul is self-realisation

4.Krishna as addressed as ‘Madhusudana’

Killer of Madhu demon
Arjuna requested Krishna to kill the demon of misunderstanding that had overtaken him in the discharge of his duty

5. Why Bhagavad-gita was spoken – To dissipate the lamentation of the ignorant man

6. Role of Chapter 2 in self-realization

Teaches Jnana – Analytical study of material body and spirit soul by Supreme authority, Lord
Sri Krishna
Teaches Buddhi-yoga (path of activity) – “As the path of realisation” which involves:
o To work without attachment to fruitive results
o Fixed in the conception of the real self

COMMON THEME : Krishna’s response seeing Arjuna’s lamentation – Krishna condemns by following words:

Non-Aryan (अनार्य) (2.2)
Kasmalam (कश्मलम्)– implies impurities (2.2)
Klaibyam (क्लैब्यम्)– implies impotent (नपुंसकता) (2.3)
Hrdoya daurbalyam (हृदय दौर्बल्यम्) – implies weakness of heart (2.3)

Learnings from Purport 2.2 – 2.3

1. Importance of Krishna being referred to as ‘Bhagavan’ (Ultimate feature of the Absolute Truth)

Three phases of Absolute Truth – Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan (Ref. SB 1.2.11)
Bhaktas are the topmost transcendentalists – because they have realized the Bhagavan feature, the topmost feature of the Absolute Truth (Analogy of the Sun – study purport)

2. Definition of Bhagavan by Parasara Muni – All six opulences in full (Only Krishna can claim to have all six in full)

3. Supporting references on Krishna’s supremacy

Ref. Brahma Samhita – Krishna as the source of all, The Supreme Personality of Godhead
Ref. SB 1.3.28 “Ete camsa…” – Krishna as the source of all incarnations

4. Definition of Aryan – Civilized class of men

One who knows the value of life
Have a civilization based on spiritual realisation

5. Non-Aryans

Do not know:
o The aim of life is Vishnu
o What is liberation from material bondage
Their conception of life is:
o Led by the material conception of life
o Captivated by the external features of the material world
 Example of Non-aryan act – Arjuna, although being a ksatriya, is deviating from prescribed duties by declining to fight

6. Result of Non-Aryan act

Infamy
No progress to Higher planets
No spiritual progress

7. Kasmalam (Impurities)

Krishna expresses surprise (Word ‘kutah’ – implies ‘wherefrom’) because
o Supreme Personality of Godhead was personally present and thus such lamenation is unexpected
o Arjuna born in Aryan family (a civilised class of men) – Therefore he is not supposed to lament in ignorance

8. Klaibyam (Impotent) – He is called so because:

As Son of Ksatriya (son of Prtha) , he is not expected to avoid fighting, otherwise he is acting as an unworthy son
Arjuna was the most intimate friend of Krishna and Krishna was directly guiding him on the
chariot – Thus he is not expected to withdraw from the battlefield

9. Hrdoya Daurbalyam (Weakness of heart) – Refers to false magnanimity shown to Bhisma and
Drona, which Arjuna uses as a justification point to avoid the battle

10. Importance of Arjuna being called ‘Partha’

This indicates son of ksatriya parents; Prtha is the name of his mother
‘Partha’ also indicates that he has a blood relation with Krishna

THEME: Arjuna counter-argues with Krishna and tries to prove his strong heartedness by the following arguments (Krishna had accused Arjuna of weak heartedness in Text 2.3)

Learnings from Purport 2.4

These are some of the arguments in Arjuna’s mind while speaking these verses:

1. Superiors are always respectable – Should never be fought back even if they attack

Respectable superiors should never be fought back
They are always worshipable
Srila Prabhupada says in the purport “It is the general etiquette that superiors are not to be
offered a verbal fight even if sometimes they are harsh in behavior”

2. Arjuna in a mood of challenging Krishna

Would Krishna counter-attack Urgasena (His own grandfather) or Sandipani Muni (His own
teacher)

THEME: Arjuna prefers begging rather than to live at the cost of great souls

Learnings from Purport 2.5

2. Scriptural codes’ recommendation on killing such teachers and relatives (As given in the purport)

A teacher is fit to be abandoned if he:
o Engages in abominable action
o Has lost his sense of discrimination – e.g. Bhisma and Drona taking the side of Dhuyodhana because of his financial assistance
But Arjuna still prefers forgiveness – Because of the unique kind of aggressors i.e seniors and relatives (teachers, grandfathers etc)

Text 2.6

Arjuna’s 5th argument (doubt) – INDECISION

THEME : “Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight. Arjuna is confused and indecisive based on the following aspects

If he fights:

He may win – Still he will not be able to enjoy without his relatives (1.31 – 1.35)
He may not emerge victorious in spite of so much bloodshed – No enjoyment guaranteed

If he does not fight:

Begging will be his only means of subsistence – For a ksatriya it is difficult and therefore no enjoyment

Learnings from Purport 2.6

1. Considerations by Arjuna prove Arjuna’s following virtuous qualities:

He was a great devotee of the Lord
Highly enlightened
Complete control of mind and senses
Desire to live by begging – a sign of detachment
Also strong faith in Krishna’s instruction (His spiritual master)
Conclusion: These qualities make him quite fit for liberation

2. Qualifications for liberation – Controlled senses, knowledge and devotion

Unless senses are controlled – no chance of elevation to the platform of knowledge
Without knowledge and devotion, no chance of liberation

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.7): Arjuna expresses need to surrender

Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness

Learnings from Purport 2.7

A person with a bona-fide spiritual master is supposed to know everything
Thus one should not remain in material perplexities but approach a spiritual master

2. Analogy: Material perplexity and forest fire – Both happen without desire and without being set by anyone

3. Definition of ‘Man in material perplexity’ – One who does not understand the problems of life

Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad – It defines such a perplexed person as a miser (krpana)
Definition of a ‘Miser’ –
o One who does not utilise the most valuable asset of a living entity – human form – to solve all the problems of life
o One who wastes their time in material bodily conception by being overly affectionate to family life, wife and children (same as animals)
o Suffers from “Skin disease” which refers to attachment to family life: wife, children and other members. 2 aspects of “skin disease”:
▪ Thinks that, ‘I can protect and save the family members from death’
▪ Thinks that ‘The family can save me’
o Quits life like cats and dogs, without understanding self-realisation.

4. Definition of ‘Brahmana’ – Intelligent and utilizes the human body to solve all problems of life – (Ref. Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad)

5. Setting the mood of understanding the ‘knowledge of Bhagavad-gita’ – ‘Arjuna’ vs ‘Mundane Scholar’

Correct mood – ‘Arjuna’ stops friendship and surrenders to Krishna as the first disciple of Bhagavad-gita
Incorrect mood – ‘Mundane scholar’ – They say that there is no need to submit to Krishna but to “Unborn within Krishna” – Therefore he is called the greatest fool with respect to understanding Bhagavad-gita.

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.8): Reconfirms complete dependence and faith

No other means to drive away grief
⇒ Any sastra or person cannot help

Even victory or opulence cannot dispel Arjuna’s lamentation
⇒ Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him

Learnings from Purport 2.8

2. Only Krishna or His representative as spiritual master can help

3. Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:

Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC – “Kiba Vipra…” – One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana – Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master

4. Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy – Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence

Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is shown by Arjuna’s example
⇒ Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot help him
⇒ Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g. Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21 – “Ksine punye…”)

5. Only way to real happiness – Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative).

COMMON THEME (2.7 – 2.9): Arjuna’s surrender – “Krishna’s role as friend turns into guru”.

THEME (2.9) : Arjuna refuses to fight – Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual master (Krishna) “I shall not fight”.

Learnings from Purport 2.9

Purpose of using the word “Parantapa” – ‘Chastiser of Enemy’

1. Sanjaya disappoints Dhrtarashtra by declaring Arjuna as competent to kill the enemies

2. Sanjaya informs Dhrtarashtra that Arjuna was temporarily overwhelmed but has now
surrendered unto Krishna and would soon fight.

3. Three effects of surrender which manifest in Arjuna:

Enlightenment
Freedom from false lamentation
Reinstatement in his own duty – e.g. Arjuna would surely fight.

THEME : Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to speak.

Learnings from Purport 2.10

1. Krishna accepts role as per devotees desire – friend or guru, etc.; He always maintains supremacy

‘Krishna was smiling’ – Because a friend had chosen to become a disciple

2. The Bhagavad-gita is openly discussed between the two armies – Therefore this knowledge is not for any particular person, community or society, but for everyone

Friends and enemies are equally entitled to hear this message

Arjun’s doubt & surrender (2.1 – 2.10)

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