Chapter 2
Explanation about soul and duties
Context: This chapter serves as a concise summary of the Bhagavad Gita. Shri Krishna discusses the soul's journey, "Kartavya" (duties), and "Karm" (actions) with Arjun. Initially, he focuses on the soul's nature, shifting later to duties and the ideal mindset for action. Insights on overcoming grief and the traits of an enlightened individual, detached from both sorrow and joy, are also provided. Overall, this chapter provides a brief yet profound guidance on leading life with mental peace and happiness.
Arjun’s question 1: In verse 7, Arjun, distressed and anxious, asks Shri Krishna for advice on whether he should fight his kin for material gains like a kingdom.
Verse 1 to 9
Arjun is torn about battling loved ones such as Bhishma Pitamah, his Gurus, and the Kauravas, fearing the sin of killing them. Overwhelmed, he seeks Shri Krishna’s counsel to avoid disgrace from succumbing to grief and ultimately surrenders to his guidance in this grave situation. Shri Krishna advises Arjun not to succumb to such overwhelming grief as it would result in dishonour.
Shri Krishna’s Answer 1:
From here on Shri Krishna begins imparting life lessons to Arjun
Verse 10 to 30
Seeing Arjun's distress over the potential death of loved ones, Shri Krishna advises against mourning the loss of bodies. He states the soul is immortal, transitioning from one body to another, akin to changing clothes. Emphasizing the soul's eternity, he assures Arjun of its indestructibility and advises him not to grieve for fulfilling his wartime duty, as the soul surpasses physical existence.
Verse 31 to 37
Shri Krishna advises Arjun to fight for the right cause to fulfill his warrior duties. He warns that avoiding battle would make him seem cowardly and neglectful of his duties, a sin. Whether he wins and rules or loses and reaches heaven, Arjun must fight as his righteous duty.
Until now, Shri Krishna has focused on Sankhya Yog, related to the immortal soul. From here he shifts to Buddhi/Karm Yog, advising action without attachment. He will detail how to attain the mental state of achieving detachment in duty, enabling selfless action, spiritual growth and liberation.
Verse 38 – The mindset to adopt while performing ones duty
Shri Krishna instructs Arjun to perform his duties without selfish motives, treating all outcomes, good or bad, with equanimity. He stresses the importance of not being overly joyous in victory or overly sad in defeat. By maintaining this balance, Arjun would avoid sin by acting without attachment to results. This detached approach fosters inner peace and spiritual insight.
Verse 39 to 45
Shri Krishna enlightens Arjun about the benefits of pursuing the spiritual path, noting even partial progress can prevent the danger of a non-human rebirth. He first discusses the role of intellect (buddhi) in mastering the mind and guiding one's spiritual journey. Those with steadfast intellect focus solely on dedicating actions to God, aiming not for heaven but for "moksha" or liberation. Secondly, Shri Krishna advises a balanced approach to the Vedas. While they offer guidance on material success and heaven, it is crucial to also embrace the teachings that lead to ultimate spiritual liberation, moksha.
Verse 46
Shri Krishna emphasizes that understanding the soul's ultimate purpose—to unite with God—satisfies all the objectives of the Vedas. He illustrates this point with an analogy, explaining that just as a well of water can offer the same benefits as a large lake, so too can a focused understanding of a small portion of the Vedas, when approached with true intellect, fulfill the entire spiritual purpose of the Vedas.
Verse 47 to 53
Shri Krishna stresses the importance of acting without attachment to outcomes, urging us to dedicate all actions and their results to God. He reminds us that while we may act, it is by God's power, and our "free will"—granted by Him—allows us to choose our actions wisely. By performing actions with equanimity, unaffected by their outcomes and dedicating efforts to God, we engage in Yog, or union with the Supreme. This state frees us from accumulating good karma (Punya) and bad karma (Paap). Detaching from action results and focusing on the Divine helps advance us toward moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Shri Krishna’s Answer 1 Summary: Shri Krishna has responded to Arjun's initial question, advising him on how to conduct his duties (karm) selflessly amidst adversity. His teachings highlight the importance of performing duties without attachment to outcomes and dedicating actions to God. Following this path of detachment and devotion leads to Yog, or Union with the Supreme, and ultimately, to moksha.
Arjun’s question 2: In verse 54, Arjun questions Shri Krishna about the distinguishing traits of an enlightened person, asking about their posture, gait, and speech. He seeks to understand the visible characteristics that differentiate an enlightened soul from others.
Shri Krishna’s Answer 2: Shri Krishna answers Arjun by explaining to him the characteristics of an enlightened person.
Verse 54 to 72
Shri Krishna explains that an enlightened person possesses four main characteristics:
1. Selflessness and Contentment: An enlightened individual relinquishes selfish desires, finding satisfaction within themselves rather than external sources.
2. Equanimity: They maintain a balanced state of mind in all circumstances, characterized by:
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Remaining calm during hardship and not overly joyous in prosperity.
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Lack of cravings for personal pleasure.
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Absence of fear, anger, and attachment.
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Control over their thoughts, steering their focus from worldly distractions to the Supreme Lord.
Shri Krishna further elaborates on the roots of misery and how an enlightened person overcomes such afflictions. He points out that negative karma (paap) often arises from attachments or aversions to material possessions. This desire for material happiness triggers a series of actions leading to negative outcomes. For instance, an attachment to something can foster desire, which might turn into greed if fulfilled, or anger if not. Greed inevitably leads to frustration, resulting in anger. Anger clouds judgment, impairing one's ability to distinguish right from wrong, and potentially leading to poor decisions and negative karma.
3. Mastery Over Material Engagement: Enlightened individuals, equipped with spiritual knowledge, effectively manage their thoughts even while interacting with material objects. They break the cycle of attachment and the ensuing negative karma. This detachment culminates in inner peace and intrinsic happiness. As they dedicate their intellect solely to God, described as the Ocean of infinite bliss, they transcend all sorrows, achieving a state of contentment and joy.
4. Distinct Priorities: Unlike most, who chase material gains, an enlightened person has abandoned such desires. Their life choices and actions, informed by a heightened spiritual awareness, differ significantly from those absorbed in worldly pursuits.
Ultimately, those who forsake worldly desires and attain peace are wholly immersed in divine contemplation. Free from the bonds of both positive and negative karma, they achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This emancipation from karma’s effects grants them moksha, or eternal union with the Divine.
Conclusion: Shri Krishna clarifies to Arjun that there are two paths to attain moksha: the Path of Knowledge (Sankhya Yog) and the Path of Action (Karma Yog). Despite this, Arjun remains conflicted, as many of us often are, pondering whether he should renounce all and opt for the path of knowledge to avoid the war. Moving forward, Shri Krishna helps Arjun navigate this quandary, guiding him towards the path that fosters his spiritual growth and ultimate liberation. He imparts wisdom that aids Arjun in understanding his duties and making decisions that align with his soul’s purpose.