Arjuna’s first question in the Gita: What is the right thing to do?
The Bhagavad-gita is God’s song as indicated in its very name. But it is a distinctive kind of song because its poetic verses answer Arjuna’s [...]
Gita chapter 2 summary – part 2
Raising Arjuna’s vision above material profit-loss considerations (02.38), Krishna explains that spiritual knowledge needs to be translated into a state of spiritual connectedness (02.39). The [...]
Gita chapter 2 summary – part 1
Though Arjuna has resolved to not fight, his situation still leaves him anguished (02.01). Wanting to relieve his agony, Krishna urges Arjuna to give up [...]
What Krishna’s first and last instructive words reveal
In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna’s first instructive verse is 02.11. Though he speaks some verses earlier, those verses are either simply indicative (01.25) or friendly exhortative [...]
What the indestructibility of the soul implies — and what it doesn’t imply
Some people say, “Krishna tells Arjuna in the Gita that the soul is eternal — therefore, there’s nothing wrong in killing anyone.” That’s a distortion [...]
Why Krishna reproaches Arjuna in his first instructive verse
Krishna begins his instruction to Arjuna with a reproach: Though you speak learned words, you lament for that which is not worthy of lamentation (Bhagavad-gita [...]
Why we may misunderstand Krishna’s Gita message — and how the Mahabharata can help
At first glance, the Bhagavad-gita might seem like a philosophical justification for war; Krishna speaks when Arjuna refuses to fight (02.09). Because our modern psyche [...]
How detachment protects us from negativity
Suppose we are walking on a narrow path that slopes unpredictably and has ditches on both sides. We could walk much more steadily if the [...]
Gita 02.38 explained
Bhakti Sastri -> 054 2nd Ch - 1st sec -> Arjuna surrender & enquiry 2nd ch - 2nd sec verse 11 to 13 -> [...]
Krishna’s stark self-contradiction (Exploring the Gita chapter 2 series – 7)
Krishna’s stark self-contradiction - In the Bhagavad-gita second chapter, we encounter one of its starkest self-contradictions in two successive verses. First, it urges Arjuna to [...]
Gita 02.54 explained
Overview of second chapter (5 sections): 1-10 Arjuna’s question and further surrender. 11-30: Atma Jnana: Fight: As the soul is eternal, compassion for the [...]
Arjuna’s second question (Exploring Gita chapter 2 series – 6)
Arjuna’s second question - In the Bhagavad-gita’s second chapter, Krishna outlines the process of working with detachment (karma-yoga). He concludes by describing the state of [...]
Krishna’s first indirect self-revelation (Exploring Gita chapter 2 series – 5)
Krishna’s first indirect self-revelation - The Bhagavad-gita develops its message gradually and systematically. It starts by stressing our spiritual identity (02.13) and concludes by proclaiming [...]
Gita 02.06 – Explanation from Bhakti Shastri Class
So right now we are discussing 5th reason for Arjuna for not fighting the first four were: Compassion Enjoyment Sinful reactions Destruction of family [...]
Gita 02.03 – Explanation from Bhakti Shastri Class
BG 2.3 klaibyam ma sma gamah partha naitat tvayy upapadyate kshudram hridaya-daurbalyam tyaktvottishtha parantapa SYNONYMS klaibyam -- impotence; ma sma -- do not; gamah [...]
Krishna’s first words reveal the Gita’s purpose (Exploring Gita chapter 2 series – 4)
Krishna’s first words reveal the Gita’s purpose - Krishna’s first instructive words to Arjuna are: don’t lament for that which is not worthy of lamentation [...]
Arjuna’s heart-wrenching dilemma (Exploring Gita chapter 2 series – 3)
Arjuna’s heart-wrenching dilemma - At the Bhagavad-gita’s start, Arjuna faces a paralyzing dilemma (02.06). To better sense his agony, consider some parallels. Suppose something terrible [...]
Krishna’s verbal slaps to Arjuna (Exploring Gita chapter 2)
Krishna’s verbal slaps to Arjuna - The Gita’s second chapter begins with Arjuna in tears (02.01). Till this point, Arjuna has treated Krishna as a [...]
Krishna’s puzzling smile (Exploring Gita chapter 2)
Krishna’s puzzling smile - The Bhagavad-gita’s second chapter begins with Arjuna’s plight: he is emotionally afflicted (02.01) and ethically conflicted (02.06). Finally, he surrenders to [...]
From honor-culture to honorable action (Understanding Gita 02.34 – 6)
From honor-culture to honorable action - The Bhagavad-gita’s call for honorable action (02.34) reflects a characteristic of most traditional cultures: a concern for honor. People [...]
The difference between honor and pride (Understanding Gita 02.34 – 5)
The difference between honor and pride - Synonyms aren’t always interchangeable. They can have connotations that may lead to meanings that are differing or even [...]