Chapter 2 Verse 10
Sānkhya Yog
तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत। सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः।।2.10।।
tam-uvācha hṛiṣhīkeśhaḥ prahasanniva bhārata senayorubhayor-madhye viṣhīdantam-idaṁ vachaḥ
Word Meanings
| tam | to him |
| uvācha | said |
| hṛiṣhīkeśhaḥ | Shree Krishna, the master of mind and senses |
| prahasan | smilingly |
| iva | as if |
| bhārata | Dhritarashtra, descendant of Bharat |
| senayoḥ | of the armies |
| ubhayoḥ | of both |
| madhye | in the midst of |
| viṣhīdantam | to the grief-stricken |
| idam | this |
| vachaḥ | words |
Translation
To him who was despondent in the midst of the two armies, Krishna, smiling, O Bharata, spoke these words.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
In the middle of a great crisis, Krishna smiles and speaks to the one who is despairing. That smile shows steady compassion: the teacher is calm and kind even when the student is confused and afraid. This teaches that true guidance comes from a place of peace, not anger or blame.
The "two armies" also point to inner conflict — duty versus fear, attachment versus duty. By addressing Arjuna in his moment of weakness, Krishna shows that spiritual wisdom begins where honest doubt and sorrow are met with clear, loving guidance. The first words are an offer: you are not abandoned in your confusion.
This verse reminds us that truth can be gentle. When a higher calm meets our pain, we are more able to listen, learn, and act with clarity rather than react from panic.
Life Application
- When you feel overwhelmed, pause and seek a calm, trusted voice (a friend, teacher, or inner quiet) before making big decisions.
- If someone is upset, respond with presence and kindness instead of quick fixes or criticism. A steady, caring tone helps more than arguments.
- Practice grounding (deep breaths, short pause) to bring a small inner "smile" of calm before speaking or acting in stress.
Reflection Question
When you are upset, who or what helps you find calm enough to listen?