How Krishna respects Arjuna’s independence before giving guidance – Suppose we can give good advice to someone whom we are not officially or relationally obligated to advice. If we advise them before they seek it, they will most likely neglect or reject it. 

Krishna demonstrates such patience while interacting with Arjuna at the start of the Bhagavad-gita. And he does so even though he is supremely competent to give the best advice at any time — he is the omniscient Supreme. Moreover, he is right next to Arjuna on his chariot. Yet he remains silent through most of the Gita’s first chapter as Arjuna advances his various arguments against fighting. When Arjuna decides that he will not fight (01.46), Krishna responds as a friend, by offering a sharp pep talk (02.02-03). When Arjuna reacts by countering Krishna’s points, Krishna doesn’t become defensive or offensive; he lets Arjuna speak on (02.04-05). Soon, Arjuna runs out of intellectual steam, realizing that despite all his arguments, he still has no feasible options; he is lost (02.06). Then Arjuna surrenders to Krishna, as a disciple seeking to know dharma, the right thing to do (02.07). Even then, Krishna waits till Arjuna declares that no worldly success, however glamorous, will remove his overwhelming sense of pointlessness (02.08). Only then does Krishna begin to speak the Gita. 

Thus, Krishna demonstrates a universal principle: before advising others,  it’s best to let others use their independence and intelligence to realize their need for guidance. If we wait, patiently and vigilantly, till life’s perplexities make them more receptive to guidance, from us or from anyone else competent. 

One-sentence summary:

Don’t be too eager to give advice to those who are none too eager to receive advice. 

Think it over: 

  • What happens when we are too eager to advise others?
  • Regarding giving guidance, what principle does Krishna demonstrate? How? 
  • Are you over-eager to give advice to someone? How can Krishna’s example help you  temper your approach? 

***

02.08: I can find no means to drive away this grief which is drying up my senses. I will not be able to dispel it even if I win a prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth with sovereignty like the demigods in heaven.

How Krishna respects Arjuna's independence before giving guidance

To know more about this verse, please click on the image