Chapter 2 Verse 1
Sānkhya Yog
सञ्जय उवाच तं तथा कृपयाऽविष्टमश्रुपूर्णाकुलेक्षणम्। विषीदन्तमिदं वाक्यमुवाच मधुसूदनः।।2.1।।
sañjaya uvācha taṁ tathā kṛipayāviṣhṭamaśhru pūrṇākulekṣhaṇam viṣhīdantamidaṁ vākyam uvācha madhusūdanaḥ
Word Meanings
| sañjayaḥ uvācha | Sanjay said |
| tam | to him (Arjun) |
| tathā | thus |
| kṛipayā | with pity |
| āviṣhṭam | overwhelmed |
| aśhru-pūrṇa | full of tears |
| ākula | distressed |
| īkṣhaṇam | eyes |
| viṣhīdantam | grief-stricken |
| idam | these |
| vākyam | words |
| uvācha | said |
| madhusūdanaḥ | Shree Krishn, slayer of the Madhu demon |
Translation
Sanjaya said: To him, who was thus overcome with pity, despondent, with eyes full of tears and agitated, Madhusudana (the destroyer of Madhu) or Krishna spoke these words.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse paints the scene: Arjuna is overcome with pity and grief, his eyes full of tears. It shows a natural human moment of doubt and emotional collapse.
Krishna — called Madhusūdana here — responds to that state. The name reminds us he removes inner enemies like fear and confusion. The teaching that follows comes because Arjuna is open and vulnerable enough to receive guidance.
Philosophically, the verse teaches that emotional breakdowns can be turning points. When the mind is disturbed, true guidance, compassion, and clear wisdom are most needed and most effective.
Life Application
- When you feel overwhelmed, pause and acknowledge your emotions instead of acting on them immediately.
- Seek wise, calm advice or revisit core principles (dharma/values) before making decisions in crisis.
- Treat moments of confusion as chances to learn and steady your inner strength, not as reasons to give up.
Reflection Question
When I am emotional or confused, do I pause to seek calm guidance or do I act right away?