Chapter 2 Verse 9
Sānkhya Yog
सञ्जय उवाच एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशः परन्तप। न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दमुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह।।2.9।।
sañjaya uvācha evam-uktvā hṛiṣhīkeśhaṁ guḍākeśhaḥ parantapa na yotsya iti govindam uktvā tūṣhṇīṁ babhūva ha
Word Meanings
| sañjayaḥ uvācha | Sanjay said |
| evam | thus |
| uktvā | having spoken |
| hṛiṣhīkeśham | to Shree Krishna, the master of the mind and senses |
| guḍākeśhaḥ | Arjun, the conquerer of sleep |
| parantapaḥ | Arjun, the chastiser of the enemies |
| na yotsye | I shall not fight |
| iti | thus |
| govindam | Krishna, the giver of pleasure to the senses |
| uktvā | having addressed |
| tūṣhṇīm | silent |
| babhūva | became ha |
Translation
Sanjaya said: Having spoken thus to Hrishikesha, the Lord of the senses, Arjuna, the conqueror of sleep and destroyer of foes, said, "I will not fight," and became silent.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Arjuna tells Krishna that he will not fight and then falls silent. This moment shows a real human response when duty, love, fear, and doubt collide.
Philosophically, the verse teaches honest self-reporting: admitting you cannot act is itself a truthful and brave step. Speaking to the divine or to one’s inner guide before deciding opens the heart.
Silence after that admission is important. It is not simply giving up; it is a space to listen, to receive guidance, and to allow inner clarity to arise before action.
Life Application
- Admit your true feelings honestly before making a decision—name your fear, grief, or doubt.
- Take a quiet pause after you speak the truth: breathe, reflect, or listen rather than rushing to act.
- Seek wise help or inner counsel when you feel unable to move—teachings, a mentor, or meditation can guide you.
Reflection Question
What truth about my situation am I avoiding that would change my choice if I spoke it and then listened?