Chapter 2 Verse 2
Sānkhya Yog
श्री भगवानुवाच कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम्। अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन।।2.2।।
śhrī bhagavān uvācha kutastvā kaśhmalamidaṁ viṣhame samupasthitam anārya-juṣhṭamaswargyam akīrti-karam arjuna
Word Meanings
| śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | the Supreme Lord said |
| kutaḥ | wherefrom |
| tvā | to you |
| kaśhmalam | delusion |
| idam | this |
| viṣhame | in this hour of peril |
| samupasthitam | overcome |
| anārya | crude person |
| juṣhṭam | practiced |
| aswargyam | which does not lead to the higher abodes |
| akīrti-karam | leading to disgrace |
| arjuna | Arjun |
Translation
The Blessed Lord said, "From whence has this perilous strait come upon you, this dejection which is unworthy of you, disgraceful, and which will close the gates of heaven upon you, O Arjuna?"
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna gently rebukes Arjuna for giving in to sudden despair at a critical moment. He calls this state unworthy of him because it comes from weakness, not wisdom.
Philosophically, the verse teaches that temporary fear and confusion should not decide our path. True spiritual strength is steady: it sees beyond momentary pain and follows what is right and purposeful.
Giving up duty out of panic or selfish attachment leads away from growth and honor. Staying calm and acting from clear purpose keeps the door open to higher progress.
Life Application
- When strong emotion overwhelms you, pause, name the feeling, and take one small step aligned with your responsibilities.
- Ask whether your choice comes from fear or from a clear sense of purpose before acting.
- Build steady habits (quiet reflection, brief prayer, or focused breathing) to reduce impulsive retreat in difficult moments.
Reflection Question
Is my next action driven by fear, or by my deeper purpose?