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 (02.02-03). In his first instructive verse, his first word means ‘unworthy of lamentation’ (ashochyan).
And Krishna’s last instructive verse is 18.66. Though he does speak six verses after that, five of them (18.67-71) are glorifications of his message and the last (18.72) is an inquiry whether Arjuna has heard and understood. In Krishna’s last instructive verse, his last words mean, ‘do not lament’ (ma shucah).
The medieval philosopher-saint Jiva Goswami highlights these words that bracket Krishna’s core message. And he asserts that these words convey Krishna’s essential purpose in speaking the Gita: to free the world from lamentation.
Let’s see how this purpose works out contextually, universally and personally:
Contextually: Krishna started speaking when a disconsolate Arjuna sought guidance (02.07-08). Even an ordinary person will want to solace their lamenting friend, leave alone the Supreme Lord who is Arjuna’s best friend. And Krishna’s speaking the Gita to bolster Arjuna was successful — after hearing it, Arjuna became composed and confident (18.73).
Universally: Krishna later declares that this world is a place of distress (08.15). While some might deem this statement pessimistic or even fatalistic, Krishna himself doesn’t. He wants to minimize our distress — that’s why he descends repeatedly to this world for establishing order (04.07-08) and that’s why he speaks spiritual wisdom to equip us for living most effectively (15.20).
Personally: Whenever we are distressed and about to sink into lamentation, we can turn to the Gita and therein find solace. For example, if we apply the Gita guideline to remember Krishna, we will find ourselves rising above lamentation, as Krishna assures (18.58) and Sanjaya confirms (18.76-77).
One-sentence summary:
Krishna’s first and last instructive words reveal his essential purpose: to free Arjuna and the entire world including us from lamentation.
Think it over:
- What are Krishna’s first and last instructive words?
- What do these words reveal about Krishna?
- How does Krishna’s purpose play out at various levels?
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02.11: The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: While speaking learned words, you are mourning for what is not worthy of grief. Those who are wise lament neither for the living nor for the dead.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
never think of past