Chapter 2 - All about Life
This character defining chapter of the Gita comprising 72slokas, known assaankhya yoga, Realization through Knowledge, is regarded by many, as the peerless part of the great epic. Arjuna’s dilemma, meanwhile, turns into grief, as the horrific prospect of slaying Bhishma, his revered granduncle, and Drona, his venerated guru, sinks into his consciousness. Bogged down by sentiment, Arjuna appeals to Lord Krishna for guidance. The Lord’s response starting with the epoch making eleventhsloka,
‘Averring as knowing
Worried over trivia!
Reckon never wise
Dead and alive both,’
is indeed the curtain raiser to the grand discourse.
It is apparent that the sentiment of causing death and destruction plagues Arjuna. Thus, Lord Krishna brings the very issue to the fore to dispel the unwarranted fear of death by stressing upon the trans-migratory nature of the indwelling spirit of all beings. Then the Lord proceeds to enlighten Arjuna about his duty to fight as a warrior besides touching upon the infamy of surrender.
To enable Arjuna overcome the predicament of attachment, Lord Krishna elaborates upon the precepts and practices of detached action, besides its spiritual and philosophical connotations. As a way of caution, the Lord finally explains to Arjuna how his sensual nature hinders man to act in true detachment. This chapter, indeed, is the spectrum supreme of the kaleidoscope of wisdom that Bhagavad Gita is.
1
Thus spoke Sanjaya:
In pity Krishna
Addressed Arjuna,
Bogged in sorrow
With tears profuse.
2
Thus spoke the Lord:
Oh, what affliction
At this juncture!
Wholly un-Aryan
Unholy as well!!
3
Mind-set impotent that unnerves
Strengthen thou for fight on hand.
4
Thus spoke Arjuna:
Adore as I, how dare I
Make Bhishma ’n Dron target?
5
Better I go with begging bowl
Than earn disgrace slaying them,
Would the scepter ever glitter
In the bloodstained hands of mine?
6
Those us oppose
We hate hurting,
What use war
Who victors are?
7
About my duty I’m in doubt
Tell me kindly what is right.
8
Beset by doubts,
Saddled by grief
Would I be joyous
Were I the king?
9
Thus spoke Sanjaya:
Bent to rescind
Arjun had no more to speak.
10
Make I privy O my Lord
Speaks as Krishna to Arjun
Stood who there in confusion.
11
Thus spoke the Lord:
Averring as knowing
Worried over trivia!
Reckon never wise
Dead and alive both.
12
You and Me
As well these,
Have had past
Future as well.
13
Wise all realize
Embodies selfsame spirit in one
From birth to death, in every birth.
14
Sensual feelings, grief ’n joy
Transient are like, heat and cold.