How Krishna addresses Arjuna’s concerns empathically – In the Bhagavad-gita’s sixth chapter, Krishna outlines the process of dhyana-yoga. This process for attaining self-realization centers primarily on cultivating equanimity of the mind toward everything material: people, events and things. After hearing about the process, Arjuna deems it impractical (06.33). Why? Because he feels that the mind is far too restless to be controlled and kept in constant equanimity (06.34).

Though Arjuna’s response is a challenge to Krishna’s recommendation, Krishna doesn’t take it as an affront to his authority. In fact, it is a testimony to the closeness of the Krishna-Arjuna relationship that Arjuna could voice his reservations so candidly. His candor is all the more remarkable because Krishna has already, explicitly revealed his divinity in the Gita’s fourth chapter (04.05-14). Significantly, Krishna’s tone throughout the Gita is rational and conversational, never authoritarian; he never thrusts his opinion down Arjuna’s throat by drawing on the power of his godhood.

Krishna’s response to Arjuna’s concerns is both understanding and uncompromising. He expresses understanding by agreeing that the mind is undoubtedly difficult to restrain (06.35). This empathic and emphatic agreement makes Arjuna feel understood. Thus, he becomes more open to hear Krishna’s subsequent instruction. Asserting that the mind can be controlled by diligence and detachment, Krishna uncompromisingly stresses that without controlling the mind, hardly anything worthwhile can be attained, least of all self-realization. Lest Arjuna feel overwhelmed on hearing about the vital necessity of controlling the mind, Krishna assures him that it can be done by following an appropriate process (06.36). 

The most appropriate process is explained later as per the Gita’s thought-flow to be bhakti-yoga. In the Gita’s eighth chapter wherein Krishna compares the processes of dhyana-yoga and bhakti-yoga, he deems bhakti-yoga the easy process (08.14).

One-sentence summary:

When those we guide express concerns about our recommendations, respond judiciously by being both understanding and uncompromising.

Think it over:

  • When guiding Arjuna, how is Krishna understanding?
  • When guiding Arjuna, how is Krishna uncompromising?
  • When guiding someone, what two factors do we need to balance?

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06.35: Lord Sri Krishna said: O mighty-armed son of Kunti, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment.

How Krishna addresses Arjuna’s concerns empathically

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