
Chapter 2 Verse 7
Sānkhya Yog
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसंमूढचेताः। यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्िचतं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्।।2.7।।
kārpaṇya-doṣhopahata-svabhāvaḥ pṛichchhāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-chetāḥ yach-chhreyaḥ syānniśhchitaṁ brūhi tanme śhiṣhyaste ’haṁ śhādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam
Word Meanings
| kārpaṇya-doṣha | the flaw of cowardice |
| upahata | besieged |
| sva-bhāvaḥ | nature |
| pṛichchhāmi | I am asking |
| tvām | to you |
| dharma | duty |
| sammūḍha | confused |
| chetāḥ | in heart |
| yat | what |
| śhreyaḥ | best |
| syāt | may be |
| niśhchitam | decisively |
| brūhi | tell |
| tat | that |
| me | to me |
| śhiṣhyaḥ | disciple |
| te | your |
| aham | I |
| śhādhi | please instruct |
| mām | me |
| tvām | unto you |
| prapannam | surrendered |
Translation
My heart is overpowered by the taint of pity; my mind is confused as to my duty. I ask Thee: Tell me decisively what is good for me. I am Thy disciple; instruct me, who has taken refuge in Thee.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Arjuna admits he is overwhelmed by pity and confused about what his duty is. He stops pretending to be strong and asks for clear guidance. This honest weak moment becomes the start of true learning.
The verse teaches that wisdom begins with humility. Confusion and strong feelings can block right action. Turning to a teacher, guide, or your deeper self and asking for help brings clarity.
Surrender here is not giving up. It is choosing to listen, to learn, and to act from discrimination rather than emotion. That choice helps you move forward with purpose and integrity.
Life Application
- When you feel stuck or torn, stop and name the emotion. Say aloud or write, “I’m confused—help me see what’s right,” and reach out to a trusted friend or mentor.
- Let go of the need to have all answers. Accept guidance, try one small clear step, and watch how clarity grows from action.
- Use quiet time (breath, short meditation, or journaling) to calm emotion before deciding; calm makes it easier to choose what truly matters.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I avoiding asking for help because I fear showing weakness?

