Changes

2-3: klaibyam ma sma gamah partha nah-etat-tvayy upa-padyate ksudram hridaya-daurbalyam tyaktva-uttistha parantapa "O son of Pritha! do not yield to this degrading impotence. It does not becoming of you. Give up such petty weakness at heart and getup, Oh! destroyer of the enemy." This is a continuation of the exhortation from Krishna to Arjuna to shed his misplaced angst and mental weakness. Life is a blessing of the lord. There are people who consider suicide in face of troubles, but this are misplaced grievances which overlook the truth of life. Life has to be lived as a blessing of the lord and nothing should deter one. Suicides due to loss in love, exams, job etc are shortsighted. It doesn't befit one. Krishna exhorts Arjuna to rise. And this is also a message to us to raise above our mental weakness. Arjuna is a great warrior and this depression doesn't befit him (na upa-padyateh). We are normally familiar with a person's attitude and outlook. If a person is always laughing and positive and suddenly looks sad, it invokes questions from onlookers. Or if somebody always looks sad and is suddenly all smiles, it will invoke the same question from people. Similarly, Arjuna is a great warrior and this depression is befitting. The "hridaya-daurbalyam" (weakness of hrdyam- heart etc) is ksudram(pathetic). Thinking weakly, capitulating to difficulties, having sucidal tedencies etc should all be destroyed. And if fall into this pits of depression, the Lord himself throws a rope to help us out from this pit. This sloka should be a reminder for us to face life with braveness and cheerfulness. Sri Krishna calls Arjuna, Paranthapa or one who creates fear in his enemies  hearts. When Arjuna is on the chariot and takes his bow the enemies will shiver out of fear. Is that Arjuna, who has to lead the army is perturbed? Then how can he lead the army to victory? People want protection of them by Arjuna and if he falters and sits with tears in his eyes and mind shaken. then who is going to protect them? Sri Krishna asks him to get up. Any person mentally weak could be encouraged to his self by these 2nd and 3rd slokas of 2nd chapter. God s advice rich in meaning has the  power to wake up anyone from gloom and depression and make him cheerful. Elders  advice can dispel darkness and gloom. Arjuna was addressed as "the son of Prtha," who happened to be the sister of Krsna's father Vasudeva. Therefore Arjuna had a blood relationship with Krsna.

2-3: klaibyam ma sma gamah partha nah-etat-tvayy upa-padyate ksudram hridaya-daurbalyam tyaktva-uttistha parantapa "O son of Pritha! do not yield to this degrading impotence. It does not becoming of you. Give up such petty weakness at heart and getup, Oh! destroyer of the enemy." This is a continuation of the exhortation from Krishna to Arjuna to shed his misplaced angst and mental weakness. Life is a blessing of the lord. There are people who consider suicide in face of troubles, but this are misplaced grievances which overlook the truth of life. Life has to be lived as a blessing of the lord and nothing should deter one. Suicides due to loss in love, exams, job etc are shortsighted. It doesn't befit one. Krishna exhorts Arjuna to rise. And this is also a message to us to raise above our mental weakness. Arjuna is a great warrior and this depression doesn't befit him (na upa-padyateh). We are normally familiar with a person's attitude and outlook. If a person is always laughing and positive and suddenly looks sad, it invokes questions from onlookers. Or if somebody always looks sad and is suddenly all smiles, it will invoke the same question from people. Similarly, Arjuna is a great warrior and this depression is befitting. The "hridaya-daurbalyam" (weakness of hrdyam- heart etc) is ksudram(pathetic). Thinking weakly, capitulating to difficulties, having sucidal tedencies etc should all be destroyed. And if fall into this pits of depression, the Lord himself throws a rope to help us out from this pit. This sloka should be a reminder for us to face life with braveness and cheerfulness. Sri Krishna calls Arjuna, Paranthapa or one who creates fear in his enemies  hearts. When Arjuna is on the chariot and takes his bow the enemies will shiver out of fear. Is that Arjuna, who has to lead the army is perturbed? Then how can he lead the army to victory? People want protection of them by Arjuna and if he falters and sits with tears in his eyes and mind shaken. then who is going to protect them? Sri Krishna asks him to get up. Any person mentally weak could be encouraged to his self by these 2nd and 3rd slokas of 2nd chapter. God s advice rich in meaning has the  power to wake up anyone from gloom and depression and make him cheerful. Elders  advice can dispel darkness and gloom. Arjuna was addressed as "the son of Prtha," who happened to be the sister of Krsna's father Vasudeva. Therefore Arjuna had a blood relationship with Krsna.

2-4: arjuna uvaca katham bhismam aham sankhye dronam ca madhusudana isubhih pratiyots-yami puja-arhav ari-sudana In the previous slokas, Krishna said that this attitude of Arjuna is not befitting him, will not give him any repute or victory or glory and he needs to shed it. But depression is not like ordinary body pain, which can be cured with a balm etc. It's something more deeper. So, Arjuna is still desolate and not convinced. In ordinary life too, we see lot of depressed people- the school or college kids commit suicide or go into depression due to scoring poorly in the exams, lovers commit suicide due to loss of a their loved ones etc - these are all decisions made out of depression and have no foundation. Though Arjuna did not commit suicide, such dejection for the caliber of Arjuna is equivalent to death. Out of mercy, Arjuna resorts to this decision to withdraw from the war in spite of all encouragement from Sri Krishna. Now in the 4th sloka he asks Sri Krishna: Arjuna said: Oh! Killer of enemies! Oh! Killer of Madhu! How  can I attack with arrows in battle Bhishma and Drona, who are worthy of my worship?  He says, in this war (Sankhye), how (katham) can face Bhishma and Drona , how can i attack them with Arrows (isubhih pratiyotsyami), they who are worthy of my worship. He addresses Krishna as Madhusudhana and AriSudhana, deliberately. An important point to be noted is that how we are to behave towards our teachers or gurus. Bheeshma and Drona are teachers for Arjuna and he has to worship them; but now he is asked to aim missiles at them. This is something, which Arjuna can never think of. Here he is indirectly indicting Sri Krishna by addressing Him as Ari soodana and Madhu soodana. Ari means enemy and He kills the enemies and Madhu. Whereas He never attempted to kill His teacher Sandheepani,and He got fame by killing only enemies, how could he want Arjuna to become notorious by killing his teachers? Arjuna regards the teachers much superior to the words of advice of Sri Krishna. Who is greater- the teacher or God? This is a delicate question. Gold is superior to silver and so normally we regard the person who donates gold to us as greater than the one who donated silver. Why do we regard teacher as great? Because he is the one who guides us to open our inner eyes to see the reality of God, the Supreme Being. So by earlier analogy teacher is greater for having made us to realize the most important in life. But it is God s design that we reach a suitable teacher. Therefore from one angle teacher is greater and from another side God is greater. That is why there is a saying that there is no god above teacher. Sri Madurakavi Alwar also reflects this in his  kanninun chiruthambu . He says  thevu matrariyen kurugur nambi  He regards Sri Nammalwar, his guru as god unto him. God may not forgive one for the sins committed; but the teacher not only ignores one s sins but also guides one in the vision of the Supreme Being. Upanishad says  regard mother as god, regard father as god, regard teacher as god, regard guests as god.  This is the confusion Arjuna is entangled in- whether to regard the advice of the God and act or whether to worship his teachers and abandon the war. Before enrolling as a student, he was a barren land and only afterwards the teacher has cultivated him to such skills and so Arjuna is defiant. Isn't Guru the greatest ? One's Guru is greater than God. So, how can one fight or raise against one's own Guru ? This is Arjuna's predicament. Guru and God are like Gold and silve. Gold is greater/valuable than Silver , so we can consider Acharya is importan than God, with this analogy. But, look at it in a different way, the person who gifts Gold is greater than the one who gives Silver, so the Lord who gifts us "gold-like" Acharya is important than Acharya!. If looked at either way, it seems puzzling on who is more important - one's Acharya or God?? Remember, MadhuraKavi Azhwar who sang the glories of his Acharya, Nammazhwar.

2-4: arjuna uvaca katham bhismam aham sankhye dronam ca madhusudana isubhih pratiyots-yami puja-arhav ari-sudana In the previous slokas, Krishna said that this attitude of Arjuna is not befitting him, will not give him any repute or victory or glory and he needs to shed it. But depression is not like ordinary body pain, which can be cured with a balm etc. It's something more deeper. So, Arjuna is still desolate and not convinced. In ordinary life too, we see lot of depressed people- the school or college kids commit suicide or go into depression due to scoring poorly in the exams, lovers commit suicide due to loss of a their loved ones etc - these are all decisions made out of depression and have no foundation. Though Arjuna did not commit suicide, such dejection for the caliber of Arjuna is equivalent to death. Out of mercy, Arjuna resorts to this decision to withdraw from the war in spite of all encouragement from Sri Krishna. Now in the 4th sloka he asks Sri Krishna: Arjuna said: Oh! Killer of enemies! Oh! Killer of Madhu! How  can I attack with arrows in battle Bhishma and Drona, who are worthy of my worship?  He says, in this war (Sankhye), how (katham) can face Bhishma and Drona , how can i attack them with Arrows (isubhih pratiyotsyami), they who are worthy of my worship. He addresses Krishna as Madhusudhana and AriSudhana, deliberately. An important point to be noted is that how we are to behave towards our teachers or gurus. Bheeshma and Drona are teachers for Arjuna and he has to worship them; but now he is asked to aim missiles at them. This is something, which Arjuna can never think of. Here he is indirectly indicting Sri Krishna by addressing Him as Ari soodana and Madhu soodana. Ari means enemy and He kills the enemies and Madhu. Whereas He never attempted to kill His teacher Sandheepani,and He got fame by killing only enemies, how could he want Arjuna to become notorious by killing his teachers? Arjuna regards the teachers much superior to the words of advice of Sri Krishna. Who is greater- the teacher or God? This is a delicate question. Gold is superior to silver and so normally we regard the person who donates gold to us as greater than the one who donated silver. Why do we regard teacher as great? Because he is the one who guides us to open our inner eyes to see the reality of God, the Supreme Being. So by earlier analogy teacher is greater for having made us to realize the most important in life. But it is God s design that we reach a suitable teacher. Therefore from one angle teacher is greater and from another side God is greater. That is why there is a saying that there is no god above teacher. Sri Madurakavi Alwar also reflects this in his  kanninun chiruthambu . He says  thevu matrariyen kurugur nambi  He regards Sri Nammalwar, his guru as god unto him. God may not forgive one for the paap committed; but the teacher not only ignores one s paap but also guides one in the vision of the Supreme Being. Upanishad says  regard mother as god, regard father as god, regard teacher as god, regard guests as god.  This is the confusion Arjuna is entangled in- whether to regard the advice of the God and act or whether to worship his teachers and abandon the war. Before enrolling as a student, he was a barren land and only afterwards the teacher has cultivated him to such skills and so Arjuna is defiant. Isn't Guru the greatest ? One's Guru is greater than God. So, how can one fight or raise against one's own Guru ? This is Arjuna's predicament. Guru and God are like Gold and silve. Gold is greater/valuable than Silver , so we can consider Acharya is importan than God, with this analogy. But, look at it in a different way, the person who gifts Gold is greater than the one who gives Silver, so the Lord who gifts us "gold-like" Acharya is important than Acharya!. If looked at either way, it seems puzzling on who is more important - one's Acharya or God?? Remember, MadhuraKavi Azhwar who sang the glories of his Acharya, Nammazhwar.

2-5: gurun-ahatva hi mahaa-anubhaavaan sreyo bhoktum ! bhaiksyam apiiha loke hatva-artha-kamams-tu! gurun ihaiva bhun-jiya bhogAn! rudhira-pradigdhan In the last sloka Arjuna asked how he could afford to kill Bheeshma, Drona and others. The word others include Kauravas viz Duryodana and    his brothers. For this Sri Krishna is posing a question seemingly. If Arjuna runs away from the war, what will he do for food and shelter? Will he live in forests? The twelve-year exile itself was considered by the Pandavas as a shame. Then how are they going to take this forest life if he ran away from the war? Sri Krishna apparently asks this and so Arjuna s reply is accordingly in sloka 5: "Arjuna says it is better for him to beg and live rather than killing great personalities like Bhishma and his guru Drona. If these people are attached to luxuries and material opulence (referring to Duryodhan etc), there is nothing wrong in it. So, why should he kill them. Isn't it better to let them enjoy their luxury rather than slaying them and ruling the land stained with their blood?" In a way Arjuna is concerned with the hell that awaits him if he were to kill his Teachers. He is also apprehensive that after killing all these people, living in this world with bloodstains will also be hell. So he fears hell before and after his death. Sri Krishna logically rebuts this. If Arjuna left the battle without fighting it will be a disgrace for a kshatriya [royal community] and he will have to lead life by resorting to begging, as he will be deprived of all property. Also, by abandoning his dharma of protection of his people and gifting the kingdom to wicked people will make him a great sinner and ensure hell after death. So Sri Krishna s rebuttal was either way hell only if Arjuna refused to fight. By fighting and recapturing the kingdom he can lead a normal life in this world. He need not consider this as enjoyment with blood stains as he is expected to do his duty and be a trusty for good administration and not for pleasure. This way because he established the moral ethics of kshathriya in the war, he will be awarded heaven after death. So instead of Arjuna s imagination as either way hell for him, Sri Krishna s argument is that by fighting it will be either way heaven for Arjuna. Arjuna preferred begging to killing those noble teachers. Perhaps he was reminding Sri Krishna that in one of His earlier Avatars or incarnations, He had also begged. As Sri Vamana, a young dwarf bachelor, He went to the Yagnashala or the sacred place, where Emperor Bali was performing Yagna and begged for a small piece of land to be measured by His tiny feet.

2-5: gurun-ahatva hi mahaa-anubhaavaan sreyo bhoktum ! bhaiksyam apiiha loke hatva-artha-kamams-tu! gurun ihaiva bhun-jiya bhogAn! rudhira-pradigdhan In the last sloka Arjuna asked how he could afford to kill Bheeshma, Drona and others. The word others include Kauravas viz Duryodana and    his brothers. For this Sri Krishna is posing a question seemingly. If Arjuna runs away from the war, what will he do for food and shelter? Will he live in forests? The twelve-year exile itself was considered by the Pandavas as a shame. Then how are they going to take this forest life if he ran away from the war? Sri Krishna apparently asks this and so Arjuna s reply is accordingly in sloka 5: "Arjuna says it is better for him to beg and live rather than killing great personalities like Bhishma and his guru Drona. If these people are attached to luxuries and material opulence (referring to Duryodhan etc), there is nothing wrong in it. So, why should he kill them. Isn't it better to let them enjoy their luxury rather than slaying them and ruling the land stained with their blood?" In a way Arjuna is concerned with the hell that awaits him if he were to kill his Teachers. He is also apprehensive that after killing all these people, living in this world with bloodstains will also be hell. So he fears hell before and after his death. Sri Krishna logically rebuts this. If Arjuna left the battle without fighting it will be a disgrace for a kshatriya [royal community] and he will have to lead life by resorting to begging, as he will be deprived of all property. Also, by abandoning his dharma of protection of his people and gifting the kingdom to wicked people will make him a great sinner and ensure hell after death. So Sri Krishna s rebuttal was either way hell only if Arjuna refused to fight. By fighting and recapturing the kingdom he can lead a normal life in this world. He need not consider this as enjoyment with blood stains as he is expected to do his duty and be a trusty for good administration and not for pleasure. This way because he established the moral ethics of kshathriya in the war, he will be awarded heaven after death. So instead of Arjuna s imagination as either way hell for him, Sri Krishna s argument is that by fighting it will be either way heaven for Arjuna. Arjuna preferred begging to killing those noble teachers. Perhaps he was reminding Sri Krishna that in one of His earlier Avatars or incarnations, He had also begged. As Sri Vamana, a young dwarf bachelor, He went to the Yagnashala or the sacred place, where Emperor Bali was performing Yagna and begged for a small piece of land to be measured by His tiny feet.

2-6: na-cah-etad vidmah, kataran-no-gariyah! yad va jayemah! yadi-va-no jaye-yuhu! yan-eva hatva, na jiji-visamah! teh-avasthitah pramukhe dhartarastrah [Uncertainity in the battle and so] whether winning or losing is better for us. When not interested to live by killing these children of Dhridhrashtra, the same persons are arrayed against us . Bhagavat Gita has a reputation that a recitation of a chapter or half of it or a sloka in a chapter or half or even quarter of a sloka will accumulate punya. This is to emphasize that every word in this sacred text is rich and brimming with significance." Arjuna says he is torn between what to do (Kataran no gariyah?), he doesn't know what to do (na-cah-etad-vidmah?). He is in Dharma-Sankatam - i.e choosing between the two dharmas - Being a Kshatriya and fighting or invoking sin of killing his acharya. With this plaguing doubt, he says, even winning is not guaranteed in this war (yad va jayemah! yadi va no jaye yuhu!). And even if he is ready to fight, listening to Krishna, he sees his gurus, relatives etc arrayed against him in the war, the very people whom he does not want to kill! Arjuna expresses his quandry here. Like all of us, he is caught in a dilemma of what is right or wrong and what is better. With this quandry, he also has doubts on his winning the war. He doesn't wish to kill his guru and close relatives, but they are arrayed against him in the war which he has to Win! Arjuna is thrown into despair. This is akin to the dilemma of a Father who wants to ensure his wayword Son reigns his habits to write the exam, but if he physically assaults him to control, then the son ends up not writing the exam due to being incapacitated.

2-6: na-cah-etad vidmah, kataran-no-gariyah! yad va jayemah! yadi-va-no jaye-yuhu! yan-eva hatva, na jiji-visamah! teh-avasthitah pramukhe dhartarastrah [Uncertainity in the battle and so] whether winning or losing is better for us. When not interested to live by killing these children of Dhridhrashtra, the same persons are arrayed against us . Bhagavat Gita has a reputation that a recitation of a chapter or half of it or a sloka in a chapter or half or even quarter of a sloka will accumulate punya. This is to emphasize that every word in this sacred text is rich and brimming with significance." Arjuna says he is torn between what to do (Kataran no gariyah?), he doesn't know what to do (na-cah-etad-vidmah?). He is in Dharma-Sankatam - i.e choosing between the two dharmas - Being a Kshatriya and fighting or invoking paap of killing his acharya. With this plaguing doubt, he says, even winning is not guaranteed in this war (yad va jayemah! yadi va no jaye yuhu!). And even if he is ready to fight, listening to Krishna, he sees his gurus, relatives etc arrayed against him in the war, the very people whom he does not want to kill! Arjuna expresses his quandry here. Like all of us, he is caught in a dilemma of what is right or wrong and what is better. With this quandry, he also has doubts on his winning the war. He doesn't wish to kill his guru and close relatives, but they are arrayed against him in the war which he has to Win! Arjuna is thrown into despair. This is akin to the dilemma of a Father who wants to ensure his wayword Son reigns his habits to write the exam, but if he physically assaults him to control, then the son ends up not writing the exam due to being incapacitated.

2-7: kaarpanya-dosoh-upahata-svabhavah , prcchami-tvam dharma-sammudha-cetah yac sreyah-syan niscitam bruhi tan me! shishyas te ham  saadhi maam tvam prapannam Taken over by the cowardice and losing my bravery, I ask you to tell me for certain what is upright for me. I am your disciple surrendered unto you  svabhavam ->Dairyam; Karpanya dosam -> Cowardice due to; tvam- You(kannan), prchaami->asking, what is dharma, adharma-> dharam sammudaha what is good for me -> Yac sreyah, tan meh bruhi -> please tell me; consider me your sishya ->sishya te aham; i am taking refuge, surrending to you-> maam tvam prapannam

2-7: kaarpanya-dosoh-upahata-svabhavah , prcchami-tvam dharma-sammudha-cetah yac sreyah-syan niscitam bruhi tan me! shishyas te ham  saadhi maam tvam prapannam Taken over by the cowardice and losing my bravery, I ask you to tell me for certain what is upright for me. I am your disciple surrendered unto you  svabhavam ->Dairyam; Karpanya dosam -> Cowardice due to; tvam- You(kannan), prchaami->asking, what is dharma, adharma-> dharam sammudaha what is good for me -> Yac sreyah, tan meh bruhi -> please tell me; consider me your sishya ->sishya te aham; i am taking refuge, surrending to you-> maam tvam prapannam

saadhi- please instruct me. A super sloka, where Arjuna helplessly falls at Krishna's feet seeking refuge and begs him for guidance. This is a guide to all of us to do the same! He entreats Krishna to guide him, considering him as his disciple and not as some stranger, in case Krishna has reservations on why he should guide anybody who is not his disciple or son. This shows that Lord is the one who can clear our fears and doubts. Azhwar sings, the Lotus blooms only by the rays of the sun and not by mere heat of a fire and the waves come down to the shore, similarly the jeevatma's refuge is the Lord. From this it is clear that only the Supreme Being can remove a person s perpetual ignorance. This is what Alwar also declares in his hymns. Just as a river moves toward a distant ocean or jus as a lotus blossoms at the sight of a distant Sun, the wisdom of the soul [jeevatma] will yearn for enlightenment from the Supreme Being [Paramatma]. So the Alwar advises his mind to surrender unto the beloved of Mother Lakshmi, the dweller in Lotus. Unlike human nature to offer materials such as flowers or fruits to gain favours from others, to get His grace all one needs is to surrender unto Him. While the soul is groping in darkness, He is shining with brilliance, the soul is slave and He is the Master and with this attitude Arjuna falls at the feet of Sri Krishna. He says he is suffering from karpanya dosha- a defect of a kripana. Sage Yagnavalkya (instructing Gaargi) says the one who has not attained the knowledge of the Supreme Being is called a kripana. Ignorance of the knowledge of God or the relationship between one s soul and Paramatma, will not make a person learned even  if he has acquired thousands of various other subjects, says Swami Vedanta Desika. "Vidyaanan silpa nai punyam". Arjuna says he is affected by this karpanya dosha. Because of this he has lost his courage. The Thaithriyopanishad says that as one approaches God, he gets courage and one who withdraws from Him loses courage. If we realize God in ourselves, we get motivated to do things. On the other hand virakthi or nirvedam or frustration leads to retardation. Hanuman searched for Mother Sri Sita all over Lanka and when he was frustrated, suddenly he remembered Sri Rama. Sri Rama gave Hanuman His Ring to be handed over to Sri Sita and so, how can His words fail? So he got enthused and also removed the feeling that he was searching Sri Sita and corrected that feeling by the wisdom that Sri Sita Herself will show up and successfully complete his mission. Immediately, Hanuman spotted Sri Sita. One should dismiss the thought that one is doing but realize that it is God who gets actions done for that one. This does not mean that one should practice idling or remain inactive; but take all out efforts with the realization that He is the prime mover behind one s actions. This leads to humility. So now Arjuna surrenders to Sri Krishna for remedy, like a person resorting to the family doctor who knows the history of the patient and so could suggest the right remedy. And who else is better equipped than Sri Krishna, Who after all is Arjuna s cousin and Who knows Arjuna too well? Sometimes we also approach elders and seek their advice, but later act according to our wishes. To dispel that thought in Sri Krishna, Arjuna says he is His sishya or disciple and so will obey and act according to His guidance. This also shows how something like mental weakness and worry can cripple even a great warrior like Arjuna into confusion and sorrow.

saadhi- please instruct me. A super sloka, where Arjuna helplessly falls at Krishna's feet seeking refuge and begs him for guidance. This is a guide to all of us to do the same! He entreats Krishna to guide him, considering him as his disciple and not as some stranger, in case Krishna has reservations on why he should guide anybody who is not his disciple or son. This shows that Lord is the one who can clear our fears and doubts. Azhwar sings, the Lotus blooms only by the rays of the sun and not by mere heat of a fire and the waves come down to the shore, similarly the jeevatma's refuge is the Lord. From this it is clear that only the Supreme Being can remove a person s perpetual ignorance. This is what Alwar also declares in his hymns. Just as a river moves toward a distant ocean or jus as a lotus blossoms at the sight of a distant Sun, the wisdom of the soul [jeevatma] will yearn for enlightenment from the Supreme Being [Paramatma]. So the Alwar advises his mind to surrender unto the beloved of Mother Lakshmi, the dweller in Lotus. Unlike human nature to offer materials such as flowers or fruits to gain favours from others, to get His grace all one needs is to surrender unto Him. While the soul is groping in darkness, He is shining with brilliance, the soul is slave and He is the Master and with this attitude Arjuna falls at the feet of Sri Krishna. He says he is suffering from karpanya dosha- a defect of a kripana. Sage Yagnavalkya (instructing Gaargi) says the one who has not attained the knowledge of the Supreme Being is called a kripana. Ignorance of the knowledge of God or the relationship between one s soul and Paramatma, will not make a person learned even  if he has acquired thousands of various other subjects, says Swami Vedanta Desika. "Vidyaanan silpa nai punyam". Arjuna says he is affected by this karpanya dosha. Because of this he has lost his courage. The Thaithriyopanishad says that as one approaches God, he gets courage and one who withdraws from Him loses courage. If we realize God in ourselves, we get motivated to do things. On the other hand virakthi or nirvedam or frustration leads to retardation. Hanuman searched for Mother Sri Sita all over Lanka and when he was frustrated, suddenly he remembered Sri Rama. Sri Rama gave Hanuman His Ring to be handed over to Sri Sita and so, how can His words fail? So he got enthused and also removed the feeling that he was searching Sri Sita and corrected that feeling by the wisdom that Sri Sita Herself will show up and successfully complete his mission. Immediately, Hanuman spotted Sri Sita. One should dismiss the thought that one is doing but realize that it is God who gets actions done for that one. This does not mean that one should practice idling or remain inactive; but take all out efforts with the realization that He is the prime mover behind one s actions. This leads to humility. So now Arjuna surrenders to Sri Krishna for remedy, like a person resorting to the family doctor who knows the history of the patient and so could suggest the right remedy. And who else is better equipped than Sri Krishna, Who after all is Arjuna s cousin and Who knows Arjuna too well? Sometimes we also approach elders and seek their advice, but later act according to our wishes. To dispel that thought in Sri Krishna, Arjuna says he is His sishya or disciple and so will obey and act according to His guidance. This also shows how something like mental weakness and worry can cripple even a great warrior like Arjuna into confusion and sorrow.

2-8: na hi prapasyami mama-apanudyat yac chokam ucchosanam indriyaanam avapya bhumav asapatnam rddham, rajyam suranam api cadhipatyam "I can find no means to drive away this grief which is burning up my senses. I will not be able to dispel it even if I win a prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth with sovereignty or one like in heaven." Na hi prapasyami -> I cannot find ; Ya Sokham ucchosanam indriyanam -> The grief which is burning my senses and causing me sadness avapya bhumav asapatnam rddham -> even if i win prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth rajyam suranam api ca adhipatyam -> or soverignity like in heaven. In case Krishna is thinking - What, if there is some grief? Grief is just temporary and one typically gets over it in no time. So, if Arjuna is feeling grieved over the prospect of bloodshed, he should surely get over it , once he gets to rule a prosperous empire and enjoy all the luxuries? In response to this, Arjuna says - unrivalled soveregnity etc is not going to overcome his grief, because this will constantly remind him of the bloodshed he had to do to gain it. ARjuna is a learned person too, but is not able to overcome his grief. THis shows two things - even all the learning in the world will not help, if one doesn't truly understand the meaning of the scriptures and practices it. For eg: Narada is a learned scholar in all branches of Vedic knowledge but was driven to grief and Saunaka muni points out that he needs to inculcate the vedic meanings truly (it's a pointer to us). Similarly, Rama whom nothing could defeat, was drowned in misery with separation of Sita, due to grief. So, grief can torment a living soul and is more dangerous than the crematory fire which just burns a corpse. Arjuna sees his beloved ones like Bheeshma and Drona on the enemy camp ready to fight and this sight dries his sensual organs like eyes and tongue. He is engulfed in anguish and finds no cure. Our forefathers convey us a great lesson here. One hears the words chithai [pyre] and chinthanai [brooding]. Chithai or a pyre is used in the cremation grounds for burning dead bodies. Whereas, chinthanai or brooding will burn out a living person. Here brooding burns Arjuna. Once sage Narada met sage Sanatkumara and requested him that though Narada had mastered all available literature but wanted Sanatkumara to preach him that which will dispel his anguish and sorrow. In reply Sanatkumara asked Narada to first tell what all he knew. Narada started telling his knowledge in the Vedas, Upanishads, all types of Shastras, etc. Sanatkumara said that Narada had studied all and there was nothing, which could be preached to Narada. This gave the hint to Narada, that he had merely studied all these without practicing or understanding the inner significance of these literatures. Worry lines appear on the forehead. But a person who has understood the God will have no such lines on the forehead. Thus Sanatkumara dispelled Narada s worries. So one should never get worried. Hanuman, when dispatched for searching Sri Sita was wondering why Sri Rama was so worried at the loss of a mere wife. Being a bachelor, Hanuman might not have understood the role of a wife. But the same Hanuman, when saw Sri Sita, then wondered how Sri Rama was still alive after losing such a noble and righteous wife. Here, Valmiki the author of Srimad Ramayana, observes that no enemy on earth could ever kill Sri Rama and only worry had the power. Arjuna, therefore feels thoroughly handicapped by his worries, and seeks help from Sri Krishna. It was opined by Sri Krishna that no distress is there which remains forever. Even death of a dear one is forgotten after a few days or when a happier incident is encountered. So if Arjuna got back his kingdom, this grief of killing the relatives will vanish. But Arjuna says that all the so called happiness one may get by acquiring a kingdom, like music, dance, food, etc., will remind him these sins he is to commit and make him miserable. Perhaps a small kingdom, or one with enemies around or one that is stuck by poverty and famine may cause worries for the rulers. So Arjuna qualifies that even if the entire world was reigned, with no enemies and totally prosperous, will never clear him of his grief. Further, he says that even if he gains the control of the heavenly kingdom, he is unable to find the way to dispel his grief.  

2-8: na hi prapasyami mama-apanudyat yac chokam ucchosanam indriyaanam avapya bhumav asapatnam rddham, rajyam suranam api cadhipatyam "I can find no means to drive away this grief which is burning up my senses. I will not be able to dispel it even if I win a prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth with sovereignty or one like in heaven." Na hi prapasyami -> I cannot find ; Ya Sokham ucchosanam indriyanam -> The grief which is burning my senses and causing me sadness avapya bhumav asapatnam rddham -> even if i win prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth rajyam suranam api ca adhipatyam -> or soverignity like in heaven. In case Krishna is thinking - What, if there is some grief? Grief is just temporary and one typically gets over it in no time. So, if Arjuna is feeling grieved over the prospect of bloodshed, he should surely get over it , once he gets to rule a prosperous empire and enjoy all the luxuries? In response to this, Arjuna says - unrivalled soveregnity etc is not going to overcome his grief, because this will constantly remind him of the bloodshed he had to do to gain it. ARjuna is a learned person too, but is not able to overcome his grief. THis shows two things - even all the learning in the world will not help, if one doesn't truly understand the meaning of the scriptures and practices it. For eg: Narada is a learned scholar in all branches of Vedic knowledge but was driven to grief and Saunaka muni points out that he needs to inculcate the vedic meanings truly (it's a pointer to us). Similarly, Rama whom nothing could defeat, was drowned in misery with separation of Sita, due to grief. So, grief can torment a living soul and is more dangerous than the crematory fire which just burns a corpse. Arjuna sees his beloved ones like Bheeshma and Drona on the enemy camp ready to fight and this sight dries his sensual organs like eyes and tongue. He is engulfed in anguish and finds no cure. Our forefathers convey us a great lesson here. One hears the words chithai [pyre] and chinthanai [brooding]. Chithai or a pyre is used in the cremation grounds for burning dead bodies. Whereas, chinthanai or brooding will burn out a living person. Here brooding burns Arjuna. Once sage Narada met sage Sanatkumara and requested him that though Narada had mastered all available literature but wanted Sanatkumara to preach him that which will dispel his anguish and sorrow. In reply Sanatkumara asked Narada to first tell what all he knew. Narada started telling his knowledge in the Vedas, Upanishads, all types of Shastras, etc. Sanatkumara said that Narada had studied all and there was nothing, which could be preached to Narada. This gave the hint to Narada, that he had merely studied all these without practicing or understanding the inner significance of these literatures. Worry lines appear on the forehead. But a person who has understood the God will have no such lines on the forehead. Thus Sanatkumara dispelled Narada s worries. So one should never get worried. Hanuman, when dispatched for searching Sri Sita was wondering why Sri Rama was so worried at the loss of a mere wife. Being a bachelor, Hanuman might not have understood the role of a wife. But the same Hanuman, when saw Sri Sita, then wondered how Sri Rama was still alive after losing such a noble and righteous wife. Here, Valmiki the author of Srimad Ramayana, observes that no enemy on earth could ever kill Sri Rama and only worry had the power. Arjuna, therefore feels thoroughly handicapped by his worries, and seeks help from Sri Krishna. It was opined by Sri Krishna that no distress is there which remains forever. Even death of a dear one is forgotten after a few days or when a happier incident is encountered. So if Arjuna got back his kingdom, this grief of killing the relatives will vanish. But Arjuna says that all the so called happiness one may get by acquiring a kingdom, like music, dance, food, etc., will remind him these paap he is to commit and make him miserable. Perhaps a small kingdom, or one with enemies around or one that is stuck by poverty and famine may cause worries for the rulers. So Arjuna qualifies that even if the entire world was reigned, with no enemies and totally prosperous, will never clear him of his grief. Further, he says that even if he gains the control of the heavenly kingdom, he is unable to find the way to dispel his grief.  

2-9: sanjaya uvaca evam uktva hrishikesham gudakeshah parantapah na yotsya iti govindam uktva tusnim babhuva ha evam uktva -> all that Arjuna said in the previous slokas: Arjuna has told his reasoning for not fighting. All the relatives, friends and teachers have assembled and he could not fight with them. Killing relatives and annihilating a dynasty or family is a sin, which will lead to eradication of kula dharma and so take him to hell. Enjoyment cannot be with blood stained hands. Even if the enemy camp was ready, killing near ones is sin. The very sight of these people ready to fight dries up

2-9: sanjaya uvaca evam uktva hrishikesham gudakeshah parantapah na yotsya iti govindam uktva tusnim babhuva ha evam uktva -> all that Arjuna said in the previous slokas: Arjuna has told his reasoning for not fighting. All the relatives, friends and teachers have assembled and he could not fight with them. Killing relatives and annihilating a dynasty or family is a paap, which will lead to eradication of kula dharma and so take him to hell. Enjoyment cannot be with blood stained hands. Even if the enemy camp was ready, killing near ones is paap. The very sight of these people ready to fight dries up

his senses. Even if a prosperous, entire world or heaven is offered to rule, Arjuna can never think of fighting. Having given out his mind so elaborately, Arjuna takes asylum at Sri Krishna and stops talking with a final say that he will not fight. Sanjaya, who is narrating alive the happenings on the battlefield to King Dhridharashtra, exclaims with the word  ha . Because he is surprised that a great warrior Arjuna is declaring he will not fight. "na yotsya" -> I will not fight, said Arjuna. tusnim babhuva-> Arjuna became silent. He has said all that he can and doesn't have anything more to say. ha -> what a surprise! (that Arjuna became silent in the thick of battlefield). Sanjaya refers to Arjuna as Gudakesa or the one who has conquered sleep and laziness, the hallmarks of Tamas quality. Arjuna is not tired or feeling weak to fight. Nor is he cowardly and afraid to fight.That is why the word paranthapa or the one who burns the enemies is used by Sanjaya. But out of shear sympathy for those arrayed against, he is refusing to fight. In the last sloka Arjuna tells Sri Krishna, that his sensual organs are all dried up at the sight of his loved ones in the opposite camp. So, significantly, Sanjaya denotes Sri Krishna with the epithet Hrishikesa or the Conqueror of the organs [both sensual and active]. We have to understand that God is the prime mover behind all the organs functioning in our body. Arjuna tells Sri Krishna that he is not going to fight. He addresses Him as Govinda. This word implies three meanings. Sri Andal in her Thiruppavai repeats this name of the Lord in the 27th [koodarai vellum], 28th [karavaigal pinsenru] and 29th [chitran chirukalai] pasurams. Govinda means Protector of cows. It also means protector of the earth. And, it can also mean protector of souls. In this temple the Lord is called Bha[k]tharavi Perumal, which means He is the Aavi or Soul of the devotees. It seems the Lord prefers cow herding to being the Leader of all the gods or residing in Sri Vaikuntam. Sri Andal says karavaigal pin senru, which is going behind the cows. The cows do not say to Sri Krishna, Who is following them, not to come behind them. In fact, He is in every soul and follows as the inner conscience and directs. But if we say to Him that He need not follow and we will go our own way, He lets us go and we get entangled into all types of situations. On the other hand, if we allow Him to follow us or direct us, we are assured of proper destiny. So here Arjuna calls Him Govinda and wants Him to direct in the right path. This slokam is a summary from Sanjaya of the previous verses of Arjuna: Sanjaya says that having said all the above, Arjuna concluded that "I shall NOT fight" to Krishna. In this sloka, Arjuna is referred to as "GudaKesah", "Paramtapah" - which are salutary terms signifying a person who is an accomplished warrior and master of curbing ignorance ie one not given to laziness or lack of will. THis shows that Arjuna is not shirking from war, because of laziness or skill, but due to mental sorrow and confusion. On the same note, Krishna is referred to as Hrishikesa and Govinda in this sloka. Hrishikesa is the master of senses and since the senses are crippling Arjuna, who better than their Master to tame them and set Arjuna in the right path? Govinda is the one who herds cows, ruler of the earth and one who stays true to his word. All this three are apt in this case, because Arjuna is asking the Lord who is so merciful to herd cows etc to guide him too; one who is sovereign ruler of the earth, his duty is to guide him too in this war and one who stays and mesmerises others with his words should guide him (which Krishna does through his Gitaupadesam). A guru is not only one who is a gnaani, but can guide his devotees by articulating the right path and mesmerizes with right words.  

his senses. Even if a prosperous, entire world or heaven is offered to rule, Arjuna can never think of fighting. Having given out his mind so elaborately, Arjuna takes asylum at Sri Krishna and stops talking with a final say that he will not fight. Sanjaya, who is narrating alive the happenings on the battlefield to King Dhridharashtra, exclaims with the word  ha . Because he is surprised that a great warrior Arjuna is declaring he will not fight. "na yotsya" -> I will not fight, said Arjuna. tusnim babhuva-> Arjuna became silent. He has said all that he can and doesn't have anything more to say. ha -> what a surprise! (that Arjuna became silent in the thick of battlefield). Sanjaya refers to Arjuna as Gudakesa or the one who has conquered sleep and laziness, the hallmarks of Tamas quality. Arjuna is not tired or feeling weak to fight. Nor is he cowardly and afraid to fight.That is why the word paranthapa or the one who burns the enemies is used by Sanjaya. But out of shear sympathy for those arrayed against, he is refusing to fight. In the last sloka Arjuna tells Sri Krishna, that his sensual organs are all dried up at the sight of his loved ones in the opposite camp. So, significantly, Sanjaya denotes Sri Krishna with the epithet Hrishikesa or the Conqueror of the organs [both sensual and active]. We have to understand that God is the prime mover behind all the organs functioning in our body. Arjuna tells Sri Krishna that he is not going to fight. He addresses Him as Govinda. This word implies three meanings. Sri Andal in her Thiruppavai repeats this name of the Lord in the 27th [koodarai vellum], 28th [karavaigal pinsenru] and 29th [chitran chirukalai] pasurams. Govinda means Protector of cows. It also means protector of the earth. And, it can also mean protector of souls. In this temple the Lord is called Bha[k]tharavi Perumal, which means He is the Aavi or Soul of the devotees. It seems the Lord prefers cow herding to being the Leader of all the gods or residing in Sri Vaikuntam. Sri Andal says karavaigal pin senru, which is going behind the cows. The cows do not say to Sri Krishna, Who is following them, not to come behind them. In fact, He is in every soul and follows as the inner conscience and directs. But if we say to Him that He need not follow and we will go our own way, He lets us go and we get entangled into all types of situations. On the other hand, if we allow Him to follow us or direct us, we are assured of proper destiny. So here Arjuna calls Him Govinda and wants Him to direct in the right path. This slokam is a summary from Sanjaya of the previous verses of Arjuna: Sanjaya says that having said all the above, Arjuna concluded that "I shall NOT fight" to Krishna. In this sloka, Arjuna is referred to as "GudaKesah", "Paramtapah" - which are salutary terms signifying a person who is an accomplished warrior and master of curbing ignorance ie one not given to laziness or lack of will. THis shows that Arjuna is not shirking from war, because of laziness or skill, but due to mental sorrow and confusion. On the same note, Krishna is referred to as Hrishikesa and Govinda in this sloka. Hrishikesa is the master of senses and since the senses are crippling Arjuna, who better than their Master to tame them and set Arjuna in the right path? Govinda is the one who herds cows, ruler of the earth and one who stays true to his word. All this three are apt in this case, because Arjuna is asking the Lord who is so merciful to herd cows etc to guide him too; one who is sovereign ruler of the earth, his duty is to guide him too in this war and one who stays and mesmerises others with his words should guide him (which Krishna does through his Gitaupadesam). A guru is not only one who is a gnaani, but can guide his devotees by articulating the right path and mesmerizes with right words.  

2-11: sri-bhagavan uvaca asocyan anvasocas tvam prajna-vadams ca bhasase gatasun agatasums ca nanusocanti panditah Bhagavan [Sri Krishna] said [to Arjuna]: you speak like a learned and at the same time your words show ignorance  tvam -> you; asocyan -> that which is not worthy of lamentation; anvasocas -> you are lamenting ; Prajna vadams ca bhasase -> you speak like a learned one(prajna vadams) panditah -> those who have discriminating sense , deha-atma viveka jnaanam who can differentiate between body and soul. ; nanu-anusocanti -> do not lament gatasun -> body (which is temporary) agatasun -> soul ; asu->pranam; gata-"asun" -> whose pranam goes away i.e bodies agata-sun->whose pranam does

2-11: sri-bhagavan uvaca asocyan anvasocas tvam prajna-vadams ca bhasase gatasun agatasums ca nanusocanti panditah Bhagavan [Sri Krishna] said [to Arjuna]: you speak like a learned and at the same time your words show ignorance  tvam -> you; asocyan -> that which is not worthy of lamentation; anvasocas -> you are lamenting ; Prajna vadams ca bhasase -> you speak like a learned one(prajna vadams) panditah -> those who have discriminating sense , deha-atma viveka jnaanam who can differentiate between body and soul. ; nanu-anusocanti -> do not lament gatasun -> body (which is temporary) agatasun -> soul ; asu->pranam; gata-"asun" -> whose pranam goes away i.e bodies agata-sun->whose pranam does

not go away(soul). Krishna says that Arjuna's lamentations in the previous verses display somebody who speaks like a learned person but is truly lamenting like a fool. Who is considered learned? A panditah? One who knows and understands that body and soul are not the same and acts accordingly is the truly learned one in this world. And not the material experts or people who know the sciences and other aspects of material universe. In some of the earlier verses, Arjuna seems to recognize this difference. For instance, when he says that killing all the kaurvas would leave nobody to offer oblations to the forefathers seems to point that he knows the concept of soul. But at the same time in the next few verses he laments that killing Drona, Bhismha etc is a sin, forgetting that in the War, it's his Dharma to fight irrespective of the opponents and that ultimately he is killing their bodies but not their souls. It is very important to note that, this shouldn't be miscontrued as an excuse to kill anybody. Arjuna's situation was that he was in the War fighting a battle to save his land from the wicked and that was his Kshatriya Dharma which Krishna was teaching. But, in normal situations, we don't have right to kill anybody. So, in this verse, Krishna says the learned pandits who know the difference between body and soul do not grieve at any stage of life. But, Arjuna who seems to speak like a learned person is lamenting for something which not worthy of it. What is Body? What is soul? How can we say it is distinct? For eg: in our daily reference, we say this is my feet, my tongue, my car, my house etc.. It implies the feet, tongue, car, house etc are separate from "I". The "I" is what we refer to as SOUL, which lives forever and is

not go away(soul). Krishna says that Arjuna's lamentations in the previous verses display somebody who speaks like a learned person but is truly lamenting like a fool. Who is considered learned? A panditah? One who knows and understands that body and soul are not the same and acts accordingly is the truly learned one in this world. And not the material experts or people who know the sciences and other aspects of material universe. In some of the earlier verses, Arjuna seems to recognize this difference. For instance, when he says that killing all the kaurvas would leave nobody to offer oblations to the forefathers seems to point that he knows the concept of soul. But at the same time in the next few verses he laments that killing Drona, Bhismha etc is a paap, forgetting that in the War, it's his Dharma to fight irrespective of the opponents and that ultimately he is killing their bodies but not their souls. It is very important to note that, this shouldn't be miscontrued as an excuse to kill anybody. Arjuna's situation was that he was in the War fighting a battle to save his land from the wicked and that was his Kshatriya Dharma which Krishna was teaching. But, in normal situations, we don't have right to kill anybody. So, in this verse, Krishna says the learned pandits who know the difference between body and soul do not grieve at any stage of life. But, Arjuna who seems to speak like a learned person is lamenting for something which not worthy of it. What is Body? What is soul? How can we say it is distinct? For eg: in our daily reference, we say this is my feet, my tongue, my car, my house etc.. It implies the feet, tongue, car, house etc are separate from "I". The "I" is what we refer to as SOUL, which lives forever and is

distinct from the Body. The soul has a atomic form as per puranas. Sri Krishna refers to Pundit, which means learned. It is not mere worldly knowledge, but the person possessing the knowledge about body and soul is referred to as pundit He is also called a vedanhi. Like a pundit, Arjuna appears to know the difference between soul [atman] and body [sareeram]. But he also says words, which show that he thinks both atman and sareeram are same. Asu means prana or imperishable. Gathasu means perishable or without asu or only body without soul. Agathasu is opposite of gathasu or with asu or prana, which means the body with soul. Pundits know about the destroyable and the indestroyable. All slokas upto this point (from 1.1 to 2.11) are prelude to the actual Bhagavad Gita. a) Consider all slokas so far (Chapter1 and chapter2 till 11): Preceding slokas are related to Arjuna's lamentation and ignorance. Next set of slokas starting with this one is Lord's response clearing Arjuna's doubts. a1) Arjuna exhibited his misunderstanding of soul and body and thought that he is destroying Bheeshma and Drona. In Sanskrit language one word can give several meanings and several words can mean same thing; but they have to be judiciously used. Sareeram and Deham refer to body but have different connotations. We see a person after, say, 10 years and that person has become thinner and weak. So we enquire why his body has become weak and thin. Here, as per the dhathu or root, to indicate diminishing nature we have to use the word sareeram. On the other hand, suppose we see a person looking fatter or bigger than what we saw him some years back, we express that the body has grown. Here, it is apt to use the word Deham which indicates growth. But in both cases the soul or atman remains in tact. So change is the nature of body and anything that changes is not permanent. Thus the body is destroyable whereas the soul never changes and so is indestructible. b) Body goes thru 6 changes: Shad bhavam vikaram - Asti, Jayate(born), Parinamate(change), Vivarte(grow), Apakshiyateh(decay) Vinashyati Atma(Soul) doesn't go thru any changes. Anything which does not go through changes, is eternal and soul is the only such entity. c) Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather -> A man can go through all this roles in his life demonstrating material relations in world, which can go thru changes. But, once self is always constant like the Soul and is never changing. d) What is body made of?? - PanchaBhootam - Prithvi(Earth), Ap(Water), Tejas(Fire), Vayu(WInd), Akasam(Ether). When this five materials are joined together, they will never survive for long. Eg: Take Salt, Flour, Water. When they are separate, they can survive for long, but when joined together as upma, their shelf life becomes shortened. What is Soul made off? - It is JnaanaSwaropam, full of knowledge. It is eternal and never changing. Soul resides within our hearts in the shape of lotus(?). e) Who experiences joy and sorrow? - Body and Soul? - Soul is full of knowledge , but the karmas cover it's knowledge. It's just like clouds of karma covering the Sun's shine. That's why everybody has different levels of knowledge. -Body is material and has NO knowledge. - Soul resides in the Body. It's knowledge is spread throughout the body, even though it's not seen and is tiny. eg. Soul is like SIM card in Mobile phone ;-). Without Soul, the

distinct from the Body. The soul has a atomic form as per puranas. Sri Krishna refers to Pundit, which means learned. It is not mere worldly knowledge, but the person possessing the knowledge about body and soul is referred to as pundit He is also called a vedanhi. Like a pundit, Arjuna appears to know the difference between soul [atman] and body [sareeram]. But he also says words, which show that he thinks both atman and sareeram are same. Asu means prana or imperishable. Gathasu means perishable or without asu or only body without soul. Agathasu is opposite of gathasu or with asu or prana, which means the body with soul. Pundits know about the destroyable and the indestroyable. All slokas upto this point (from 1.1 to 2.11) are prelude to the actual Bhagavad Gita. a) Consider all slokas so far (Chapter1 and chapter2 till 11): Preceding slokas are related to Arjuna's lamentation and ignorance. Next set of slokas starting with this one is Lord's response clearing Arjuna's doubts. a1) Arjuna exhibited his misunderstanding of soul and body and thought that he is destroying Bheeshma and Drona. In Sanskrit language one word can give several meanings and several words can mean same thing; but they have to be judiciously used. Sareeram and Deham refer to body but have different connotations. We see a person after, say, 10 years and that person has become thinner and weak. So we enquire why his body has become weak and thin. Here, as per the dhathu or root, to indicate diminishing nature we have to use the word sareeram. On the other hand, suppose we see a person looking fatter or bigger than what we saw him some years back, we express that the body has grown. Here, it is apt to use the word Deham which indicates growth. But in both cases the soul or atman remains in tact. So change is the nature of body and anything that changes is not permanent. Thus the body is destroyable whereas the soul never changes and so is indestructible. b) Body goes thru 6 changes: Shad bhavam vikaram - Asti, Jayate(born), Parinamate(change), Vivarte(grow), Apakshiyateh(decay) Vinashyati Atma(Soul) doesn't go thru any changes. Anything which does not go through changes, is eternal and soul is the only such entity. c) Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather -> A man can go through all this roles in his life demonstrating material relations in world, which can go thru changes. But, once self is always constant like the Soul and is never changing. d) What is body made of?? - PanchaBhootam - Prithvi(Earth), Ap(Water), Tejas(Fire), Vayu(WInd), Akasam(Ether). When this five materials are joined together, they will never survive for long. Eg: Take Salt, Flour, Water. When they are separate, they can survive for long, but when joined together as upma, their shelf life becomes shortened. What is Soul made off? - It is JnaanaSwaropam, full of knowledge. It is eternal and never changing. Soul resides within our hearts in the shape of lotus(?). e) Who experiences joy and sorrow? - Body and Soul? - Soul is full of knowledge , but the karmas cover it's knowledge. It's just like clouds of karma covering the Sun's shine. That's why everybody has different levels of knowledge. -Body is material and has NO knowledge. - Soul resides in the Body. It's knowledge is spread throughout the body, even though it's not seen and is tiny. eg. Soul is like SIM card in Mobile phone ;-). Without Soul, the

body is dead. - Even though soul is tiny, it is "dharma-bhoota gnaanam" i.e it's knowledge is like the rays of the lamp which even though in a single place, lights the whole place. (eg: Tirumaalai of Thondarpodi azhwar. "Maram suvar madil edutu...", where he says Body is like a pot full of holes. If we list the properties of the soul, we can say it understands, it is minute, it is intelligent, it has no organs and enjoys [or suffers] the effect of karma. Body, on the other hand, is having the opposite properties. It does not understand, it is big, it is dumb, it has organs and it does not realize the effects of karma. So bottomline, which we need to be always aware of is, the body and soul are NOT the same. Body is perishable, subject to shad-bhava vikaram , made of pancha bhootam. Whereas Soul is unchanging and eternal and it's inherent nature is knowledge. Each of us are jeevatmas and are souls, with a temporary body. (Note: Numerous souls and Jeevatma is different from Paramatma). Unfortunately, most of us suffer from "deha-atma abhimaanam" (mistaking body and soul as one). Arjuna also suffers from this same delusion and that's why Krishna is telling Arjuna that he is speaking like an ignoramus.

body is dead. - Even though soul is tiny, it is "dharma-bhoota gnaanam" i.e it's knowledge is like the rays of the lamp which even though in a single place, lights the whole place. (eg: Tirumaalai of Thondarpodi azhwar. "Maram suvar madil edutu...", where he says Body is like a pot full of holes. If we list the properties of the soul, we can say it understands, it is minute, it is intelligent, it has no organs and enjoys [or suffers] the effect of karma. Body, on the other hand, is having the opposite properties. It does not understand, it is big, it is dumb, it has organs and it does not realize the effects of karma. So bottomline, which we need to be always aware of is, the body and soul are NOT the same. Body is perishable, subject to shad-bhava vikaram , made of pancha bhootam. Whereas Soul is unchanging and eternal and it's inherent nature is knowledge. Each of us are jeevatmas and are souls, with a temporary body. (Note: Numerous souls and Jeevatma is different from Paramatma). Unfortunately, most of us suffer from "deha-atma abhimaanam" (mistaking body and soul as one). Arjuna also suffers from this same delusion and that's why Krishna is telling Arjuna that he is speaking like an ignoramus.

2-28: avyaktadi-ni bhutani ! vyakta-madhyani bharata! avyakta-nidhanAny eva! tatra ka paridevana "The [five elements made] body is not capable of revealing the past [but] middle [present] revealed. Future not revealed, Oh! Bharatha, where is then need for grief?" All created beings are unmanifest in their beginning, manifest in their interim state, and unmanifest again when they are annihilated. So what need is there for lamentation? Note, slokas 26,27,28 are all based on the assumption that body and soul are the same and Krishna presenting that even assuming this false assumption is true, even then one should not get disturbed by the death or destruction of this body. Take for eg: Pot, clay, mud are three different forms of the same thing and one thing transforms into another in it's cycle of formation and destruction. Atleast for Pot, we know what form it will take (mud, clay etc), when it gets broken. But, for human, we wouldn't know for sure what it's future state be, after death. After death, it may take a better form. Arjuna asks, whether it's possible to know what the past or future states would be? Krishna responds that, we won't know our past or future, but only our present. This body which is made up of PanchaBhootams(Bhootani) is "Avyaaktaani" (unknown) in the past; Our current state(madhya) is known (Vyaktaani); Our future i.e after death (Nidhana) is unknown(Avyaktaani). So, there is no point in grieving about the future stage. Do remember that this sloka is based on the assumption that body and soul are same and Krishna is presenting it from this point of view and letting Arjuna know, even with this assumption, there is no point in grieving(paridevana) about future or past. Accepting that there are two classes of philosophers, one believing in the existence of soul and the other not believing in the existence of the soul, there is no cause for lamentation in either case. Nonbelievers in the existence of the soul are called atheists by followers of Vedic wisdom. Yet even if, for argument's sake, we accept the atheistic theory, there is still no cause for lamentation. Apart from the separate existence of the soul, the material elements remain unmanifested before creation. From this subtle state of unmanifestation comes manifestation, just as from ether, air is generated; from air, fire is generated; from fire, water is generated; and from water, earth becomes manifested. From the earth, many varieties of manifestations take place. Take, for example, a big skyscraper manifested from the earth. When it is dismantled, the manifestation becomes again unmanifested and remains as atoms in the ultimate stage. The law of conservation of energy remains, but in course of time things are manifested and unmanifested--that is the difference. Then what cause is there for lamentation either in the stage of manifestation or unmanifestation? Somehow or other, even in the unmanifested stage, things are not lost. Both at the beginning and at the end, all elements remain unmanifested, and only in the middle are they manifested, and this does not make any real material difference. And if we accept the Vedic conclusion as stated in the Bhagavad-gita (antavanta ime dehah) that these material bodies are perishable in due course of time (nityasyoktah saririnah) but that soul is eternal, then we must remember always that the body is like a dress; therefore why lament the changing of a dress? Why then is it seen that even men possessing intelligence lament in this world? It is simply due to ignorance about the true nature of the eternal soul. Having this theme in mind the abstruseness of the eternal soul is being given, in the next slokam (2.29).

2-28: avyaktadi-ni bhutani ! vyakta-madhyani bharata! avyakta-nidhanAny eva! tatra ka paridevana "The [five elements made] body is not capable of revealing the past [but] middle [present] revealed. Future not revealed, Oh! Bharatha, where is then need for grief?" All created beings are unmanifest in their beginning, manifest in their interim state, and unmanifest again when they are annihilated. So what need is there for lamentation? Note, slokas 26,27,28 are all based on the assumption that body and soul are the same and Krishna presenting that even assuming this false assumption is true, even then one should not get disturbed by the death or destruction of this body. Take for eg: Pot, clay, mud are three different forms of the same thing and one thing transforms into another in it's cycle of formation and destruction. Atleast for Pot, we know what form it will take (mud, clay etc), when it gets broken. But, for human, we wouldn't know for sure what it's future state be, after death. After death, it may take a better form. Arjuna asks, whether it's possible to know what the past or future states would be? Krishna responds that, we won't know our past or future, but only our present. This body which is made up of PanchaBhootams(Bhootani) is "Avyaaktaani" (unknown) in the past; Our current state(madhya) is known (Vyaktaani); Our future i.e after death (Nidhana) is unknown(Avyaktaani). So, there is no point in grieving about the future stage. Do remember that this sloka is based on the assumption that body and soul are same and Krishna is presenting it from this point of view and letting Arjuna know, even with this assumption, there is no point in grieving(paridevana) about future or past. Accepting that there are two classes of philosophers, one believing in the existence of soul and the other not believing in the existence of the soul, there is no cause for lamentation in either case. Nonbelievers in the existence of the soul are called atheists by followers of Vedic wisdom. Yet even if, for argument's sake, we accept the atheistic theory, there is still no cause for lamentation. Apart from the separate existence of the soul, the material elements remain unmanifested before creation. From this subtle state of unmanifestation comes manifestation, just as from ether, air is generated; from air, fire is generated; from fire, water is generated; and from water, earth becomes manifested. From the earth, many varieties of manifestations take place. Take, for example, a big skyscraper manifested from the earth. When it is dismantled, the manifestation becomes again unmanifested and remains as atoms in the ultimate stage. The law of conservation of energy remains, but in course of time things are manifested and unmanifested--that is the difference. Then what cause is there for lamentation either in the stage of manifestation or unmanifestation? Somehow or other, even in the unmanifested stage, things are not lost. Both at the beginning and at the end, all elements remain unmanifested, and only in the middle are they manifested, and this does not make any real material difference. And if we accept the Vedic conclusion as stated in the Bhagavad-gita (antavanta ime dehah) that these material bodies are perishable in due course of time (nityasyoktah saririnah) but that soul is eternal, then we must remember always that the body is like a dress; therefore why lament the changing of a dress? Why then is it seen that even men possessing intelligence lament in this world? It is simply due to ignorance about the true nature of the eternal soul. Having this theme in mind the abstruseness of the eternal soul is being given, in the next slokam (2.29).

2-29: ascarya-vat pasyati kascid-enam ascarya-vad vadati tathaiva cAnyah ascarya-vac cainam anyah-srnoti srutvapy-enam veda na-caiva kascit In the previous three slokas, Krishna expatiated about not being concerned about Body and how it is temporary. Arjuna is now baffled that he is unable to comprehend this reality and is still scared. All of us are in the same boat, including the great Jnaanis, even though the jnaanis are in a higher plane of understanding. The power of this bodily conception is very difficult to overcome. Krishna responds to this fear of Arjuna: This amazing (Aasharyavati ) nature of soul is known/seen (Pashchati) by only one among crores and only one among crores talks(Vadati) about it and then only one among crores hears (Shrunoti) about it and then only one among crores will really understand(veda) and realise the soul exists and that body is temporary. This shows that it's only the rare among the beings that truly realises the Atma and not everybody can get away from this bodily allure and conception. Sri Krishna says that one in a crore [ten million] see atman, one in a crore only hear about atman and one in a crore only talk about him. But it is much more rare to find a person who understands atman. This may cause a doubt in us that there is no one knowing about atman. So there is nothing like atman. Because, if anything exists, then at least some persons should know about it. We talk of Mount Everest. Very few persons would have seen it. From them we understand it is there. We believe an object only if someone who had seen the object tells us. So, Arjuna doubts whether there is an atman, as nobody has seen it. Sri Krishna replies that He did not say there was no one who had seen the atman, but it is very, very rare to find a person who had seen atman. Such a person is a noble one, who can be followed. This second chapter unlike the first one is quite difficult to follow, for everyone learning Gita. Because the soul is abstract and it has no form to recognize nor are there any similar substance in the world to identify. But constant studies and thinking can slowly make us to understand. We are able to conceive God, as many forms are available. But for atman there are no icons. A beginning is now made and by continuous efforts we can refine our knowledge about atman. We shouldn't get distressed by this! How to overcome this rarity?? Our lives are totally consumed by material being. It needs dedication to reflect about our selves (Atma), focus our efforts on it and be dedicated. For eg: if a boy is given to solve a PHD maths problem, he cannot solve it. He needs to complete schooling, Graduate, masters, PHD, before he can solve it. But, at the same time, if he reached adult age, it doesn't mean that he can solve it, unless he is in the Maths field. So, this requires not only "age" & experience, but to study in that field. Similarly, in our lives, we need continued focus in the reflection of the truth about atma to understand this truth. Simply, by living in material life and diving once in a while into spiritual pursuit isn't going to help. When we put effort, the Lord too will reach his hand to guide us. Infact, knowing about Atma is difficult, because it's not seen, heard etc. Atleast dieties in temples, we can see and relish and celebrate fesivals etc, whereas for our atma this is not possible. So, this is difficult. Among innumerable beings, someone, who by great austerity has got rid of sins and has increased his merits, realises this self possessing the above mentioned nature, which is wonderful and distinct in kind from all things other than Itself. Such a one speaks of It to another. Thus, someone hears of It. And even after hearing of It, no one knows It exactly that It really exists. The term 'ca' (and) implies that even amongst the seers, the speakers and hearers, one with authentic percepetion, authentic speech and authentic hearing, is a rarity.

2-29: ascarya-vat pasyati kascid-enam ascarya-vad vadati tathaiva cAnyah ascarya-vac cainam anyah-srnoti srutvapy-enam veda na-caiva kascit In the previous three slokas, Krishna expatiated about not being concerned about Body and how it is temporary. Arjuna is now baffled that he is unable to comprehend this reality and is still scared. All of us are in the same boat, including the great Jnaanis, even though the jnaanis are in a higher plane of understanding. The power of this bodily conception is very difficult to overcome. Krishna responds to this fear of Arjuna: This amazing (Aasharyavati ) nature of soul is known/seen (Pashchati) by only one among crores and only one among crores talks(Vadati) about it and then only one among crores hears (Shrunoti) about it and then only one among crores will really understand(veda) and realise the soul exists and that body is temporary. This shows that it's only the rare among the beings that truly realises the Atma and not everybody can get away from this bodily allure and conception. Sri Krishna says that one in a crore [ten million] see atman, one in a crore only hear about atman and one in a crore only talk about him. But it is much more rare to find a person who understands atman. This may cause a doubt in us that there is no one knowing about atman. So there is nothing like atman. Because, if anything exists, then at least some persons should know about it. We talk of Mount Everest. Very few persons would have seen it. From them we understand it is there. We believe an object only if someone who had seen the object tells us. So, Arjuna doubts whether there is an atman, as nobody has seen it. Sri Krishna replies that He did not say there was no one who had seen the atman, but it is very, very rare to find a person who had seen atman. Such a person is a noble one, who can be followed. This second chapter unlike the first one is quite difficult to follow, for everyone learning Gita. Because the soul is abstract and it has no form to recognize nor are there any similar substance in the world to identify. But constant studies and thinking can slowly make us to understand. We are able to conceive God, as many forms are available. But for atman there are no icons. A beginning is now made and by continuous efforts we can refine our knowledge about atman. We shouldn't get distressed by this! How to overcome this rarity?? Our lives are totally consumed by material being. It needs dedication to reflect about our selves (Atma), focus our efforts on it and be dedicated. For eg: if a boy is given to solve a PHD maths problem, he cannot solve it. He needs to complete schooling, Graduate, masters, PHD, before he can solve it. But, at the same time, if he reached adult age, it doesn't mean that he can solve it, unless he is in the Maths field. So, this requires not only "age" & experience, but to study in that field. Similarly, in our lives, we need continued focus in the reflection of the truth about atma to understand this truth. Simply, by living in material life and diving once in a while into spiritual pursuit isn't going to help. When we put effort, the Lord too will reach his hand to guide us. Infact, knowing about Atma is difficult, because it's not seen, heard etc. Atleast dieties in temples, we can see and relish and celebrate fesivals etc, whereas for our atma this is not possible. So, this is difficult. Among innumerable beings, someone, who by great austerity has got rid of paap and has increased his merits, realises this self possessing the above mentioned nature, which is wonderful and distinct in kind from all things other than Itself. Such a one speaks of It to another. Thus, someone hears of It. And even after hearing of It, no one knows It exactly that It really exists. The term 'ca' (and) implies that even amongst the seers, the speakers and hearers, one with authentic percepetion, authentic speech and authentic hearing, is a rarity.

2-30: dehi nityam avadhyo yam dehe  sarvasya bharata tasmat sarvani bhutani na tvam socitum arhasi dehi-> Atma (it resides in body); Nityam->Eternal ; "Na Tvam sochitu arhasi".. THis is a common refrain of Krishna in many slokas, which implies that "you do not grieve"! Here Krishna says that Self(Jeevatma) exists in everyone's body and even when all this bodies perish, the atma(s) in them do not perish. Note that, Krishna says there is Jeevatma in everyone's body and it's not that ONE atma pervades all bodies! This is in response to Arjuna's doubt: 'I am understanding about the perishability of body as per krishan's slokas below. Now, everybody in this world seems different. One person varies from another in appearance, personality, esteem, joys and sorrows etc. So, is there a difference in the Jeevatmas nature too among people? i.e is one jeevatma's nature different from another?? Is one jeevatma eternal and the other not? ". In response, Krishna tells this sloka that the atmas residing in all bodies are eternal and do not perish, when the body perishes. Now, another question arises, when the bodies are different (color, sex, creed, appearance etc), how come the atma is same?? To remove this doubt only Sri Krishna tells that the atman or dehi in every body or deham is eternal. We are witnessing changes on the body but the soul remains the same. To understand this we should examine closely our daily habits and experiences. We see variety of persons. Some are fair, some black, some tall, some short, some females, some males, some animals, etc. but all these differences do not change our habits. One may be a millionaire and another a poor. But both see with their eyes only and hear with their ears. There is no difference in these functions. Educated or illiterate, one has to eat with his mouth only. So, God has not permitted any difference in certain basic functions. We eat varieties of food and vegetables. They remain so till what we eat reaches the throat. After this the body assimilates them as protein, vitamin or carbohydrates. This is scientific fact. We do not eat as such fat or proteins. So, all differences are in the external appearance only, such as brinjal [butter fruit] or lady s finger [okra]. The body, however, takes only the essence. So, only those, which appear different, are all destroyed and atman, which is identical in every creature, is eternal. So Arjuna need not to worry that he may be destroying a destroyable atman. So, in this sloka Krishna says, that Arjuna need not show grief. (Note that as per bodily conception of relations, we do have to show compassion, affection etc, but if we limit to just bodily ideas, then we end up being selfish about self, family etc, but if we look at if from jeevatma conception, our compassion will not be limited just to few, but to everybody! and it will also ensure we understand the sense of duty without getting over emotional and binding). If we distinguish atman from body, then we can be of real help to not merely our relatives but to everyone suffering. Relatives are body related. Only a perspective that all atmans are same can make us render help to all. That is why in any calamity, there are some persons who concentrate on the things to do and do not go emotional. Such duty minded persons are of real help. Though the soul is immortal, violence is not encouraged, but at the time of war it is not discouraged when there is actual need for it. That need must be justified in terms of the sanction of the Lord, and not capriciously.

2-30: dehi nityam avadhyo yam dehe  sarvasya bharata tasmat sarvani bhutani na tvam socitum arhasi dehi-> Atma (it resides in body); Nityam->Eternal ; "Na Tvam sochitu arhasi".. THis is a common refrain of Krishna in many slokas, which implies that "you do not grieve"! Here Krishna says that Self(Jeevatma) exists in everyone's body and even when all this bodies perish, the atma(s) in them do not perish. Note that, Krishna says there is Jeevatma in everyone's body and it's not that ONE atma pervades all bodies! This is in response to Arjuna's doubt: 'I am understanding about the perishability of body as per krishan's slokas below. Now, everybody in this world seems different. One person varies from another in appearance, personality, esteem, joys and sorrows etc. So, is there a difference in the Jeevatmas nature too among people? i.e is one jeevatma's nature different from another?? Is one jeevatma eternal and the other not? ". In response, Krishna tells this sloka that the atmas residing in all bodies are eternal and do not perish, when the body perishes. Now, another question arises, when the bodies are different (color, sex, creed, appearance etc), how come the atma is same?? To remove this doubt only Sri Krishna tells that the atman or dehi in every body or deham is eternal. We are witnessing changes on the body but the soul remains the same. To understand this we should examine closely our daily habits and experiences. We see variety of persons. Some are fair, some black, some tall, some short, some females, some males, some animals, etc. but all these differences do not change our habits. One may be a millionaire and another a poor. But both see with their eyes only and hear with their ears. There is no difference in these functions. Educated or illiterate, one has to eat with his mouth only. So, God has not permitted any difference in certain basic functions. We eat varieties of food and vegetables. They remain so till what we eat reaches the throat. After this the body assimilates them as protein, vitamin or carbohydrates. This is scientific fact. We do not eat as such fat or proteins. So, all differences are in the external appearance only, such as brinjal [butter fruit] or lady s finger [okra]. The body, however, takes only the essence. So, only those, which appear different, are all destroyed and atman, which is identical in every creature, is eternal. So Arjuna need not to worry that he may be destroying a destroyable atman. So, in this sloka Krishna says, that Arjuna need not show grief. (Note that as per bodily conception of relations, we do have to show compassion, affection etc, but if we limit to just bodily ideas, then we end up being selfish about self, family etc, but if we look at if from jeevatma conception, our compassion will not be limited just to few, but to everybody! and it will also ensure we understand the sense of duty without getting over emotional and binding). If we distinguish atman from body, then we can be of real help to not merely our relatives but to everyone suffering. Relatives are body related. Only a perspective that all atmans are same can make us render help to all. That is why in any calamity, there are some persons who concentrate on the things to do and do not go emotional. Such duty minded persons are of real help. Though the soul is immortal, violence is not encouraged, but at the time of war it is not discouraged when there is actual need for it. That need must be justified in terms of the sanction of the Lord, and not capriciously.

2-32: yadrcchaya-ca upa-pannam svarga-dvaaram apaa-vrtam sukhinah kshatriyAh partha labhante yuddham idrsam "O Partha, happy are the kshatriyas to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them unhindered the doors of the heavenly planets." The impending war is happening by itself, on its own, without any solicitation on the part of Arjuna. Thus when it happens he and his brothers will be fighting on the side of righteousness which constitutes the means for acquiring heavenly happiness without obstacles. Such a war can only be fought by the most fortunate of ksatriyas and Arjuna should understand his good fortune. Krishna continues mentioning about the importance of Dharma here. He says Arjuna is facing this war, not out of his own making, but by "yaddrachaya" (Fate, God's grace), which is a gateway to heaven, which is a blessing for the great and righteous Kshatriyas. Now that question arises, which "swargam" is Krishna referring to here? Is it Indra lokam etc?? No. Krishna is referring to Moksham here. **This also point out to how to qualify a decision - Before we engage ourselves in any work we will have to see these points: Is this  legally allowed? After starting the work, will there be need for any unlawful activities? Is the objective a virtuous one or evil? Is there precedence by elders? These four points are required to be examined before we embark on any activity. In the present context, the fighting of this war has to answer all these quest <nowiki>**</nowiki> Referring to Dharma Yuddham - The Lord himself went to war against tyrannical demons to protect Dharma. For e.g. Rama, Nrusimha, Vamana etc. In the Parasara-smrti or religious codes made by Parasara, the great sage and father of Vyasadeva, it is stated: ksatriyo hi praja raksan sastra-panih pradandayan nirjitya para-sainyadi ksitim dharmena palayet "The ksatriya's duty is to protect the citizens from all kinds of difficulties, and for that reason he has to apply violence in suitable cases for law and order. Therefore he has to conquer the soldiers of inimical kings, and thus, with religious principles, he should rule over the world." Considering all aspects, Arjuna had no reason to refrain from fighting. If he should conquer his enemies, he would enjoy the kingdom; and if he should die in the battle, he would be elevated to the heavenly planets whose doors were wide open to him. Fighting would be for his benefit in either case.

2-32: yadrcchaya-ca upa-pannam svarga-dvaaram apaa-vrtam sukhinah kshatriyAh partha labhante yuddham idrsam "O Partha, happy are the kshatriyas to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them unhindered the doors of the heavenly planets." The impending war is happening by itself, on its own, without any solicitation on the part of Arjuna. Thus when it happens he and his brothers will be fighting on the side of righteousness which constitutes the means for acquiring heavenly happiness without obstacles. Such a war can only be fought by the most fortunate of ksatriyas and Arjuna should understand his good fortune. Krishna continues mentioning about the importance of Dharma here. He says Arjuna is facing this war, not out of his own making, but by "yaddrachaya" (Fate, God's grace), which is a gateway to heaven, which is a blessing for the great and righteous Kshatriyas. Now that question arises, which "swargam" is Krishna referring to here? Is it Indra lokam etc?? No. Krishna is referring to Moksham here. **This also point out to how to qualify a decision - Before we engage ourselves in any work we will have to see these points: Is this  legally allowed? After starting the work, will there be need for any unlawful activities? Is the objective a virtuous one or evil? Is there precedence by elders? These four points are required to be examined before we embark on any activity. In the present context, the fighting of this war has to answer all these quest <nowiki>**</nowiki> Referring to Dharma Yuddham - The Lord himself went to war against tyrannical demons to protect Dharma. For e.g. Rama, Nrusimha, Vamana etc. In the Parasara-smrti or religious codes made by Parasara, the great sage and father of Vyasadeva, it is stated: ksatriyo hi praja raksan sastra-panih pradandayan nirjitya para-sainyadi ksitim dharmena palayet "The ksatriya's duty is to protect the citizens from all kinds of difficulties, and for that reason he has to apply violence in suitable cases for law and order. Therefore he has to conquer the soldiers of inimical kings, and thus, with religious principles, he should rule over the world." Considering all aspects, Arjuna had no reason to refrain from fighting. If he should conquer his enemies, he would enjoy the kingdom; and if he should die in the battle, he would be elevated to the heavenly planets whose doors were wide open to him. Fighting would be for his benefit in either case.

2-33: atha-cet-tvam imam dharmyam sangraamam na karishyasi tatah sva-dharmam kIrtim ca hitva paapam avapsyasi "If, however, you do not perform your duty of fighting for dharma, then you will certainly incur sins for neglecting your duties and lose your reputation as a fighter." In the previous two slokas, Krishna explained to Arjuna that it is imperative for him to follow his dharma as Kshatriya and fight the war which has come upon him as "yaddhrachaya" (thru divine chance) and that by doing so, he will achieve Moksham. In this sloka and the next, Krishna says the sins that will befall Arjuna if he does NOT fight the war. By listing the difficulties and sorrows he would encounter if he slipped from his expected duty, Sri Krishna is encouraging him to fight. In any act we have to state the benefits by doing that and the ill effects by not doing. By judging both one

2-33: atha-cet-tvam imam dharmyam sangraamam na karishyasi tatah sva-dharmam kIrtim ca hitva paapam avapsyasi "If, however, you do not perform your duty of fighting for dharma, then you will certainly incur paap for neglecting your duties and lose your reputation as a fighter." In the previous two slokas, Krishna explained to Arjuna that it is imperative for him to follow his dharma as Kshatriya and fight the war which has come upon him as "yaddhrachaya" (thru divine chance) and that by doing so, he will achieve Moksham. In this sloka and the next, Krishna says the paap that will befall Arjuna if he does NOT fight the war. By listing the difficulties and sorrows he would encounter if he slipped from his expected duty, Sri Krishna is encouraging him to fight. In any act we have to state the benefits by doing that and the ill effects by not doing. By judging both one

has to conclude to perform an action. Krishna terms this war as "Sangraamam" and not "Yuddham", in this slokam. Why? Because the war has already started and the armies ready to battle! Yudhdham means it could start even next day or after. But sangramam means that is already started and when both sides are aligned and ready to fight. Peace efforts could have been initiated before start of a fight but not after it had started. Such efforts before the fight began would be appreciated; but after it had started any such efforts would be branded as act of cowardice. So Sri Krishna cautions that if Arjuna decided to withdraw from the war, he will be defamed and then he would also be slipping from his expected dharma, resulting in sins or papa to accumulate. So by abandoning the fight he will fail in his swadharmam, that is his duty as Kshatriya to fight, and lose kirti or fame. Even if he does not care for the fame, sins or papa will accrue for slipping from swadharma. Sri Krishna lists the two, swadharma and kirti, as necessities for life in this world and in the nether world. Sri Krishna uses the words dharmyam sangraman, which means fight performed righteously. This war is for establishing dharma, it is to be performed legally and the outcome also is for dharma, a high objective. Since Arjuna, desirous of

has to conclude to perform an action. Krishna terms this war as "Sangraamam" and not "Yuddham", in this slokam. Why? Because the war has already started and the armies ready to battle! Yudhdham means it could start even next day or after. But sangramam means that is already started and when both sides are aligned and ready to fight. Peace efforts could have been initiated before start of a fight but not after it had started. Such efforts before the fight began would be appreciated; but after it had started any such efforts would be branded as act of cowardice. So Sri Krishna cautions that if Arjuna decided to withdraw from the war, he will be defamed and then he would also be slipping from his expected dharma, resulting in paapa to accumulate. So by abandoning the fight he will fail in his swadharmam, that is his duty as Kshatriya to fight, and lose kirti or fame. Even if he does not care for the fame, paap or paap will accrue for slipping from swadharma. Sri Krishna lists the two, swadharma and kirti, as necessities for life in this world and in the nether world. Sri Krishna uses the words dharmyam sangraman, which means fight performed righteously. This war is for establishing dharma, it is to be performed legally and the outcome also is for dharma, a high objective. Since Arjuna, desirous of

preservation of dharma, this is a holy and upright war. The word sangramam is used

preservation of dharma, this is a holy and upright war. The word sangramam is used

instead of yudhdham. . Why? Because it is as per the law, dharma shastras, the results are worth it. If he doesn't fight this battle - all the fame(Keerti) he achieved in the past as a warrior will be gone, giving up his "svadharmam" as a Kshatriya, he will incur sin (Paapam Avaapsyaasi). If through injudicious sentiment or bewildered ignorance Arjuna should fail to perform his prescribed duty as a ksatriya by fighting for the sake of righteousness; he would lose a most excellent opportunity of attaining the heavenly spheres, he would lose his reputation as a hero and he would have to accept great sinful reaction.Losing Fame and Name (Keerti) is a big loss in this Lokam for a Kshatriya and Arjuna will lose it, if he doesn't battle. Not only that, even in the other worlds, Arjuna will be at loss, since by shirking his duty , he incurs sin and doesn't gain swargam. Karma Yogam basically is doing one's duty as per his "ashrama dharma" (Varanaashrama) and that leads to Bhakti Yogam. If Arjuna is shedding his basic duty, he is not doing either Karma or Bhakti yogam and that leads him to sin. **Abide by swadharma is what is advocated.

instead of yudhdham. . Why? Because it is as per the law, dharma shastras, the results are worth it. If he doesn't fight this battle - all the fame(Keerti) he achieved in the past as a warrior will be gone, giving up his "svadharmam" as a Kshatriya, he will incur sin (Paapam Avaapsyaasi). If through injudicious sentiment or bewildered ignorance Arjuna should fail to perform his prescribed duty as a ksatriya by fighting for the sake of righteousness; he would lose a most excellent opportunity of attaining the heavenly spheres, he would lose his reputation as a hero and he would have to accept great sinful reaction.Losing Fame and Name (Keerti) is a big loss in this Lokam for a Kshatriya and Arjuna will lose it, if he doesn't battle. Not only that, even in the other worlds, Arjuna will be at loss, since by shirking his duty , he incurs paap and doesn't gain swargam. Karma Yogam basically is doing one's duty as per his "ashrama dharma" (Varanaashrama) and that leads to Bhakti Yogam. If Arjuna is shedding his basic duty, he is not doing either Karma or Bhakti yogam and that leads him to paap. **Abide by swadharma is what is advocated.

2-34: akirtim ca-api bhutani katha-yisyanti te  vyayaam sambha-vitasya ca-akirtir maranad atiricyate "Creatures will always speak of your infamy, and for a respectable person, dishonor is worse than death." In this slokam, Krishna continues detailing the ills which would befall if Arjuna runs away from the war. He says that Arjuna will lose his honor and reputation as great warrior which he gained from all times (avyaayam) and be (kaithshyanti) ridiculed by all people (Bhutaani) that he has run away from the battle. This infamy will be worse than death for somebody as honored and reputable as Arjuna. For a wise man, discrimination(vivekam), courage, bravery, calmness and caution all need to be prevalent. Arjuna cannot say that he doesn't care about his reputation and run away. It may be ok for a common man, but for a great personality like Arjuna with a legacy of honor, it will come off poorly. Not only will happiness and fame elude him if he disregards his duty as a ksatriya but the world opinion of those competent to judge and those incompetent as well will chastise him and speak of his act of disgrace public and privately. They will say Arjuna was a coward for when the battle was about to begin he gave only excuses and retreated hastily from the battlefield. The Supreme Lord Krishna is telling him that forever history will brand him for cowardice. If Arjuna was to reply that what the public think is of no consequence to him, the Supreme Lord neutralises that by stating that for a person of honour possessing the qualities of heroism, determination, puissance, courage etc. which are all contrary to cowardice to have to accept infamy is worse than death. If he was to acquire disgrace of this kind death for him would certainly be much better. If reasoning further one was to present the question of how ignominy could attach itself to one who is already a renowned hero and whose resignation from the battle field is prompted only by motives of respect for elders and compassion to friends and relatives then the next verse 34 neutralises that argument.

2-34: akirtim ca-api bhutani katha-yisyanti te  vyayaam sambha-vitasya ca-akirtir maranad atiricyate "Creatures will always speak of your infamy, and for a respectable person, dishonor is worse than death." In this slokam, Krishna continues detailing the ills which would befall if Arjuna runs away from the war. He says that Arjuna will lose his honor and reputation as great warrior which he gained from all times (avyaayam) and be (kaithshyanti) ridiculed by all people (Bhutaani) that he has run away from the battle. This infamy will be worse than death for somebody as honored and reputable as Arjuna. For a wise man, discrimination(vivekam), courage, bravery, calmness and caution all need to be prevalent. Arjuna cannot say that he doesn't care about his reputation and run away. It may be ok for a common man, but for a great personality like Arjuna with a legacy of honor, it will come off poorly. Not only will happiness and fame elude him if he disregards his duty as a ksatriya but the world opinion of those competent to judge and those incompetent as well will chastise him and speak of his act of disgrace public and privately. They will say Arjuna was a coward for when the battle was about to begin he gave only excuses and retreated hastily from the battlefield. The Supreme Lord Krishna is telling him that forever history will brand him for cowardice. If Arjuna was to reply that what the public think is of no consequence to him, the Supreme Lord neutralises that by stating that for a person of honour possessing the qualities of heroism, determination, puissance, courage etc. which are all contrary to cowardice to have to accept infamy is worse than death. If he was to acquire disgrace of this kind death for him would certainly be much better. If reasoning further one was to present the question of how ignominy could attach itself to one who is already a renowned hero and whose resignation from the battle field is prompted only by motives of respect for elders and compassion to friends and relatives then the next verse 34 neutralises that argument.

2-37: hato va prapsyasi svargam jitva va bhoksyase mahim tasmad uttistha kaunteya yuddhaya krta-niscayah "O son of Kunti, either you will be killed on the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets, or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom. Therefore get up and fight with determination." "Tasmad Uttishtha Kaunteya" - Thus! exhorts Krishna to Arjuna to Stand up with determination (krta) to fight (YuddhAya), in this slokam. If you get killed, you will achieve Swargam (Hatoh VA prApasyasi Svargam) and if you win, you will enjoy this worldly kingdom (jitA vA bhoksyase mahim). If you don't fight, you will not achieve either glory here nor in other worlds. He addresses Arjuna as "Kunti Putra" (Kaunteya), because Kunti is renowed for her courage and devotion. In addition, Kunti is Krishna's dear aunty and as such it becomes Krishna's responsibility to protect Krishna. Related comments: Some may say that Asoka gave up war and violence, whereas Krishna is prompting Arjuna for war. Asoka actually gave up wars etc, after fighting numerous wars. Whereas Arjuna's Dharma here is to wage war against Kauravas to protect his people and ensure the kingdom is not ruled by crooked Kauravas. In addition, when both opposition factions are in agreement to call of war, it may make sense to back off (eg: Alexander and Paurus etc), but in this case, there is no such signal from Kauravas. Another question is, Arjuna didn't have similar qualms when warring with Kauravas in the past (Virata yuddham during vanavas), but why is he having the fear now?? In the past, he didn't have to worry about killing Drona or Bheeshma or other close relatives, so there was no issue.

2-37: hato va prapsyasi svargam jitva va bhoksyase mahim tasmad uttistha kaunteya yuddhaya krta-niscayah "O son of Kunti, either you will be killed on the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets, or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom. Therefore get up and fight with determination." "Tasmad Uttishtha Kaunteya" - Thus! exhorts Krishna to Arjuna to Stand up with determination (krta) to fight (YuddhAya), in this slokam. If you get killed, you will achieve Swargam (Hatoh VA prApasyasi Svargam) and if you win, you will enjoy this worldly kingdom (jitA vA bhoksyase mahim). If you don't fight, you will not achieve either glory here nor in other worlds. He addresses Arjuna as "Kunti Putra" (Kaunteya), because Kunti is renowed for her courage and devotion. In addition, Kunti is Krishna's dear aunty and as such it becomes Krishna's responsibility to protect Krishna. Related comments: Some may say that Asoka gave up war and violence, whereas Krishna is prompting Arjuna for war. Asoka actually gave up wars etc, after fighting numerous wars. Whereas Arjuna's Dharma here is to wage war against Kauravas to protect his people and ensure the kingdom is not ruled by crooked Kauravas. In addition, when both opposition factions are in agreement to call of war, it may make sense to back off (eg: Alexander and Paurus etc), but in this case, there is no such signal from Kauravas. Another question is, Arjuna didn't have similar qualms when warring with Kauravas in the past (Virata yuddham during vanavas), but why is he having the fear now?? In the past, he didn't have to worry about killing Drona or Bheeshma or other close relatives, so there was no issue.

2-38: Sukha-dukhe samEy krtva, lAbhaAlabhau jayaAjayau, tathO yudhAya yujasva, naivam pApam avApsyAsi. This begins the prelude to KARMA YOGAM section. Krishna says Arjuna will not incur sun (Naivam pApam avApsyasi), if he just engages in war just for the sake of war (YuddhAya yujasvya) and not with sense of attachment or results. What attachment or results is Krishna referring to here - be equanimous in joy and sorrow i.e no need to feel joy by killing enemies or felling them or no need to feel sorrow in felling opponents such as Bhishma etc. We cannot equate Joy and Sorrow as one, but the feelings and reactions which emanate in the face of joy and sorrow - those feelings is something we need to control and look at it with some sense of detachment. The same sense of equanimity should also be there in the face of gain and loss, victory and defeat. This is in response to Arjuna's lament that he doesn't care about kingdom, winning etc and doesn't want to fight. In response, Krishna said that Arjuna should fight , since it's his duty, which will result in his gaining heavenly kingdom (Moksham). In this slokam, Krishna says that Arjuna should fight as a sense of duty and not get disturbed by dualities such as joy & sorrow, victory & defeat, gain&loss. This is a important qualification for a KarmaYogi! Krishna says that Arjuna should fight as a Karma yogi, as a sense of duty, without consideration or attachment or disturbed by gain or loss, victory or defeat etc and when he does it, there will be no incurring of sin. He who acts for his own sense gratification, either in goodness or in passion, is subject to reaction, good or bad. Knowing the immortal eternal soul to be that which is distinct and independent from the physical body, uncontaminated with the qualities pertaining to the material existence but connected to those qualities which are spiritual in nature and eternal; maintaining an equipoised mind in the various conditions of pleasure and pain, loss and gain, victory or defeat being devoid of any fruitive desire or hankering for any reward or remuneration, such as going to the heavenly worlds, fight this righteous battle as a matter of duty which needs to be discharged. One who is situated in wisdom with their mind properly composed in this manner while executing their prescribed duties will incur no sinful reactions and thus will be eligible for salvation from material existence. Sinful reactions is the root of all suffering and the cause of perpetual bondage in the cycle of birth and death in the material existence. Arjuna is baffled on how he can do it. Krishna points out that as Rama in the previous avtaar, he followed this same principles!!

2-38: Sukha-dukhe samEy krtva, lAbhaAlabhau jayaAjayau, tathO yudhAya yujasva, naivam pApam avApsyAsi. This begins the prelude to KARMA YOGAM section. Krishna says Arjuna will not incur sun (Naivam pApam avApsyasi), if he just engages in war just for the sake of war (YuddhAya yujasvya) and not with sense of attachment or results. What attachment or results is Krishna referring to here - be equanimous in joy and sorrow i.e no need to feel joy by killing enemies or felling them or no need to feel sorrow in felling opponents such as Bhishma etc. We cannot equate Joy and Sorrow as one, but the feelings and reactions which emanate in the face of joy and sorrow - those feelings is something we need to control and look at it with some sense of detachment. The same sense of equanimity should also be there in the face of gain and loss, victory and defeat. This is in response to Arjuna's lament that he doesn't care about kingdom, winning etc and doesn't want to fight. In response, Krishna said that Arjuna should fight , since it's his duty, which will result in his gaining heavenly kingdom (Moksham). In this slokam, Krishna says that Arjuna should fight as a sense of duty and not get disturbed by dualities such as joy & sorrow, victory & defeat, gain&loss. This is a important qualification for a KarmaYogi! Krishna says that Arjuna should fight as a Karma yogi, as a sense of duty, without consideration or attachment or disturbed by gain or loss, victory or defeat etc and when he does it, there will be no incurring of paap. He who acts for his own sense gratification, either in goodness or in passion, is subject to reaction, good or bad. Knowing the immortal eternal soul to be that which is distinct and independent from the physical body, uncontaminated with the qualities pertaining to the material existence but connected to those qualities which are spiritual in nature and eternal; maintaining an equipoised mind in the various conditions of pleasure and pain, loss and gain, victory or defeat being devoid of any fruitive desire or hankering for any reward or remuneration, such as going to the heavenly worlds, fight this righteous battle as a matter of duty which needs to be discharged. One who is situated in wisdom with their mind properly composed in this manner while executing their prescribed duties will incur no sinful reactions and thus will be eligible for salvation from material existence. Sinful reactions is the root of all suffering and the cause of perpetual bondage in the cycle of birth and death in the material existence. Arjuna is baffled on how he can do it. Krishna points out that as Rama in the previous avtaar, he followed this same principles!!

2-39: esA te a'bhijitha sAnkhye! buddhir yoge tv imAm Srnu ; buddhyA yukto yayA pArtha, karma-bandham prahAsyasi. "Thus far I have described atman to you through analytical study. Now listen as I explain it in terms of working without trivial results. O son of Pritha, when you act with such knowledge you can free yourself from the bondage of karma." This sloka starts the KARMA yogam section, where krishna expounds on Karma yoga. Gita is the extraction of the sayings of Upanishad. Upanishad - UPA(near), Nishana(getting to Brahman) . Upanishad tells us the reality of Brahman and the ways to reach close to Brahman. The ways it propounds is Karma Yogam, Jnaana Yogam, Bhakti Yogam. In this it's generally considered that Bhakti Yogam is primary and Karma and Jnaana Yogam are it's ancillary i.e for Bhakti, one needs Karma and Jnaana anushtaanam as pre-requisites. nstead of practicing each separately, it is better to have one as the pradhanam [main] and the other two as angam [branches or ancillaries]. Just like in our degree courses we have one subject, say Chemistry, as main and study say, mathematics and physics, as ancillaries. Similarly, if one decides to seek Moksham through Karmayoga, then one has to have Gyanayoga and Bhakthiyoga as ancillaries. But there is a difference. In the education system, pass in the main can be done without studying the ancillaries. Whereas, in seeking Moksham, if Bhakthiyoga has to be practiced, then one has to practice Karmayoga and Gyanayoga. Without these two, a person cannot practice Bhakthiyoga. Upanishad says - Atma Drashtavaya, Stortavyaa, mantvyaya, nidhistavyaaya - i.e we should constantly, deeply, exclusively hear about the lord for reaching him. Question is, we also need to know how to conduct ourselves in this world, while we seek to achieve salvation(Moksham). The primary requirement for it is to realise that body is temporary and soul is eternal and salvation lies in getting out of the cycle of birth and death. If one doesn't realise this, then it's not possible to get away from this never ending cycle and we will be forever caught in this web of material existence. So, the first step is to realise that Soul is eternal and body is temporary. To realize Paramatma, atman has to listen about Him. Then, contemplate on what was listened to. Then meditate without interruption , but with concentration. Such continuous meditation is called Bhakthi and this results in merging with the Paramatma. This will make the atman to feel happy in union with and sorrow in separation from God. Thereafter, the soul departs this body and this world and reaches Moksham and remains with Him in eternal happiness. It is a stairway to Moksham. All born cannot immediately go for Moksham. In this world lots of good things are to be done and this life has to be happily spent. But the objective should be to reach Moksham after this life without the perils of another birth. When will this thought come? First, one should realize that this body is perishable and atman is indestructible. If one thinks atman and body are same, when body perishes, atman also will perish and then there would be no need for Moksham or worry about rebirth. So, this basic knowledge that atman and body are different is essential. Not merely accepting that they are separate, it should be firmly believed that atman is eternal and body is destroyable. Further, it should be realized that in this life happiness and sorrow are mixed. The natural feeling of the atman is always happy. But when inside a body in this earth, mixed feelings are unavoidable. So, the objective should be to get the everlasting happiness, its natural quality. This pursuit is necessary. Next step is to know that Soul is owned(adimai) by Paramatma and we are not owners or independent. This realization about atman and body is the first step in the stairway. This step alone cannot take to the top. The next step is to realize that this atman is servant of God. Paramatma is the ruler and atman is ruled. Therefore, atman has to cling to the Feet of the Lord. Instead of saying that Karmayaoga, Gyanayoga and Bhakthyoga are various paths to reach Moksham, Bhakthyoga is the main. Visiting temples, chanting His names and helping His devotees, will all constitute Bhakthiyoga. For this as main one needs Karma [action] and Gyana [knowledge]. These are needed in any activity. Ways to reach the lord are Karma, Jnaana and Bhakti Yogam. Rather than saying three yogams are seperate and independent, we can say Bhakti yogam is the primary way to reach lord and this involves singing, chanting, visting holy places, helping others, being close to devotees etc. Bhakti yogam has two angas, karma and Jnaana - it requires discipline and knowledge. It is similar to - for riding a vehicle, one needs knowledge that vehicle requires petrol etc to run, need to operate clutch and brake together, brake to stop the vehicle and in addition one needs the skills to operate the vehicle. Similarly for Bhakti, one needs knowledge and discipline. ANd to even start this course, the primary pre-requisite is the basic knowledge that Atma is Nityam and Body is temporary. Krishna has followed the same pattern. From slokas 2-12 onwards to sloka 2-30, Krishna has emphasized that Atma is Nityam and temporary nature of the body. From Slokams 2-39 to 2-51, Krishna expounds on Karma Yogam and after that he expounds Jnaana Yogam and in Chapters 7,8,9 he expounds on Bhakti Yogam and in the later chapters he explains the ways for Moksha. So, Geeta has been laid out in this manner - Initially in the second chapter (slokas 12 to 30), it tells us the nature of the soul and the temporary nature of body, since this is the primary pre-requisite. Next, it explains the ways of Karma Yogam i.e how to do our duties. NExt, it explains Jnaana yogam (knowledge). Next, it explains Bhakti yogam (which needs knowledge of soul, how to do our

2-39: esA te a'bhijitha sAnkhye! buddhir yoge tv imAm Srnu ; buddhyA yukto yayA pArtha, karma-bandham prahAsyasi. "Thus far I have described atman to you through analytical study. Now listen as I explain it in terms of working without trivial results. O son of Pritha, when you act with such knowledge you can free yourself from the bondage of karma." This sloka starts the KARMA yogam section, where krishna expounds on Karma yoga. Gita is the extraction of the sayings of Upanishad. Upanishad - UPA(near), Nishana(getting to Brahman) . Upanishad tells us the reality of Brahman and the ways to reach close to Brahman. The ways it propounds is Karma Yogam, Jnaana Yogam, Bhakti Yogam. In this it's generally considered that Bhakti Yogam is primary and Karma and Jnaana Yogam are it's ancillary i.e for Bhakti, one needs Karma and Jnaana anushtaanam as pre-requisites. nstead of practicing each separately, it is better to have one as the pradhanam [main] and the other two as angam [branches or ancillaries]. Just like in our degree courses we have one subject, say Chemistry, as main and study say, mathematics and physics, as ancillaries. Similarly, if one decides to seek Moksham through Karmayoga, then one has to have Gyanayoga and Bhakthiyoga as ancillaries. But there is a difference. In the education system, pass in the main can be done without studying the ancillaries. Whereas, in seeking Moksham, if Bhakthiyoga has to be practiced, then one has to practice Karmayoga and Gyanayoga. Without these two, a person cannot practice Bhakthiyoga. Upanishad says - Atma Drashtavaya, Stortavyaa, mantvyaya, nidhistavyaaya - i.e we should constantly, deeply, exclusively hear about the lord for reaching him. Question is, we also need to know how to conduct ourselves in this world, while we seek to achieve salvation(Moksham). The primary requirement for it is to realise that body is temporary and soul is eternal and salvation lies in getting out of the cycle of birth and death. If one doesn't realise this, then it's not possible to get away from this never ending cycle and we will be forever caught in this web of material existence. So, the first step is to realise that Soul is eternal and body is temporary. To realize Paramatma, atman has to listen about Him. Then, contemplate on what was listened to. Then meditate without interruption , but with concentration. Such continuous meditation is called Bhakthi and this results in merging with the Paramatma. This will make the atman to feel happy in union with and sorrow in separation from God. Thereafter, the soul departs this body and this world and reaches Moksham and remains with Him in eternal happiness. It is a stairway to Moksham. All born cannot immediately go for Moksham. In this world lots of good things are to be done and this life has to be happily spent. But the objective should be to reach Moksham after this life without the perils of another birth. When will this thought come? First, one should realize that this body is perishable and atman is indestructible. If one thinks atman and body are same, when body perishes, atman also will perish and then there would be no need for Moksham or worry about rebirth. So, this basic knowledge that atman and body are different is essential. Not merely accepting that they are separate, it should be firmly believed that atman is eternal and body is destroyable. Further, it should be realized that in this life happiness and sorrow are mixed. The natural feeling of the atman is always happy. But when inside a body in this earth, mixed feelings are unavoidable. So, the objective should be to get the everlasting happiness, its natural quality. This pursuit is necessary. Next step is to know that Soul is owned(adimai) by Paramatma and we are not owners or independent. This realization about atman and body is the first step in the stairway. This step alone cannot take to the top. The next step is to realize that this atman is servant of God. Paramatma is the ruler and atman is ruled. Therefore, atman has to cling to the Feet of the Lord. Instead of saying that Karmayaoga, Gyanayoga and Bhakthyoga are various paths to reach Moksham, Bhakthyoga is the main. Visiting temples, chanting His names and helping His devotees, will all constitute Bhakthiyoga. For this as main one needs Karma [action] and Gyana [knowledge]. These are needed in any activity. Ways to reach the lord are Karma, Jnaana and Bhakti Yogam. Rather than saying three yogams are seperate and independent, we can say Bhakti yogam is the primary way to reach lord and this involves singing, chanting, visting holy places, helping others, being close to devotees etc. Bhakti yogam has two angas, karma and Jnaana - it requires discipline and knowledge. It is similar to - for riding a vehicle, one needs knowledge that vehicle requires petrol etc to run, need to operate clutch and brake together, brake to stop the vehicle and in addition one needs the skills to operate the vehicle. Similarly for Bhakti, one needs knowledge and discipline. ANd to even start this course, the primary pre-requisite is the basic knowledge that Atma is Nityam and Body is temporary. Krishna has followed the same pattern. From slokas 2-12 onwards to sloka 2-30, Krishna has emphasized that Atma is Nityam and temporary nature of the body. From Slokams 2-39 to 2-51, Krishna expounds on Karma Yogam and after that he expounds Jnaana Yogam and in Chapters 7,8,9 he expounds on Bhakti Yogam and in the later chapters he explains the ways for Moksha. So, Geeta has been laid out in this manner - Initially in the second chapter (slokas 12 to 30), it tells us the nature of the soul and the temporary nature of body, since this is the primary pre-requisite. Next, it explains the ways of Karma Yogam i.e how to do our duties. NExt, it explains Jnaana yogam (knowledge). Next, it explains Bhakti yogam (which needs knowledge of soul, how to do our

duty, knowledge) and next it explains ways for Moksham. In this slokam, "esa te abhihitA SANKHYE!" - note, esA te i.e in the slokas (2-12 to 2-30), i have explained (abhitha) the philosophy of Sankhye!. Sankhya means "buddhi" and Sankhyam is "the Atma which is understood by Buddhi" and Sankhye is the philosophy which describes the real nature of the soul (i.e it is nityam, it is eternal). I.e i have explained about Sankya Yoga(the true nature of the soul). 'Sankhya' means 'intellect,' and the truth about the Atman, which is determinable by the intellect, is 'Sankhyam'. Concerning the nature of the self which has to be known, whatever Buddhi has to be taught, has been taught to you in the passage beginning with, 'It is not that I did not exist' (II.12) and ending with the words, 'Therefore, you shall not grieve for any being' (II.30). Krishna says - "yayA buddhyA yuktah" - that buddhih (intelligence) by which , "Karma bandham prahAsyasi" you can released from bondage of reaction - that knowledge (Karma yogam) will be explained to him. The disposition of mind (Buddhi) which is required for the performance of works preceded by knowledge of the self and which thus constitutes the means of attaining release, that is here called by the term Yoga. It will be clearly told later on, 'Work done with desire for fruits is far inferior to work done with evennes of mind' (II. 49). "buddhir yoge tv imAm srunu" - Now Listen(Srnu) about yogE buddhi (karma yogam). What Buddhi or attitude of mind is required for making your act deserve the name of Yoga, listen to it now. Endowed with that knowledge, you will be able to cast away the bondage of Karma. 'Karma-bandha' means the bondage due to Karma i.e., the bondage of Samsara. 'Sankhya' means 'intellect,' and the truth about the Atman, which is determinable by the intellect, is 'Sankhyam'. Concerning the nature of the self which has to be known, whatever Buddhi has to be taught, has been taught to you in the passage beginning with, 'It is not that I did not exist' (II.12) and ending with the words, 'Therefore, you shall not grieve for any being' (II.30). The disposition of mind (Buddhi) which is required for the performance of works preceded by knowledge of the self and which thus constitutes the means of attaining release, that is here called by the term Yoga. It will be clearly told later on, 'Work done with desire for fruits is far inferior to work done with evennes of mind' (II. 49). What Buddhi or attitude of mind is required for making your act deserve the name of Yoga, listen to it now. Endowed with that knowledge, you will be able to cast away the bondage of Karma. 'Karma-bandha' means the bondage due to Karma i.e., the bondage of Samsara. Now question comes up, Arjuna is not intrested in fighting. So, why is Krishna talking about Sankha Yogam, Karma yogam etc, rather than just exhorting Arjuna to fight?? Krishna first explains thru Sankha Yogam that Souls are eternal and body is temporary, thus killing in a just war is not sinful and Arjuna shouldn't go weak at the thought of killing relatives etc. Next, Krishna addresses the concern of Arjuna about not being intrested in fruits of war etc, by talking about Karma Yogam and explaining that Arjuna need not fight for fruitive results, but a Saadhanam for Moksham. Waging just war is a Kshatriya Dharma and is his karma yogam. Karma Yogam: Introduction: One can do a thing anywhere, or as prescribed in vedas or not prescribed according to vedas. But, if one performs a duty in a "loukeeka" fashion, one doesn't get any benefit other than material benefits. But, if one does one's duty as per the viddhi of vedas, eg> when we bath at home, under a tap etc, there is no additional benefit, apart from cleaning body. But, if we take a dip in ganges and other temple pushkarinis, the body not only gets cleaned, but we are also blessed with washing away of sins. Why? Because it's prescribed in vedas. What constitutes Karma yogam - All our daily activities, eating, sleeping, working, helping etc basically constitute Karma yogam. Simple? Right? Yes. But, this needs to be done as per the prescription of Vedas and not do anything which is NOT prescribed in the vedas. And it needs to be done in full faith and spirit and also NOT with sense of attachment. For eg: if one takes bath in Pushkarini, without any belief in it's powers, then it will not help. Again, What is Karma yoga? It is eating, sleeping, working, etc. Nothing extra is required to be done. But these activities are to be done as prescribed in shastras. This is very important. If we do our activities according to the dos and don ts of shastras, it is  karmayoga. If we do karma yoga we are sure to attain Moksham. Shastras are instructions given by God. He has told that He liberates the one who faithfully follows His instructions. Once we have that belief that we are acting according to the stipulations of the Lord, He also will erase all our sins and make us to reach our natural state of happiness,Moksham. In these instructions one is asked to eat, sleep and work. Nowhere the shastras ask us not to do anything else. The person instructed [by shastras] could be a bachelor or married or sanyasin or a beast or bird. Whoever be, if the prescribed action is performed with a firm belief that this will yield Moksham, that result will be achieved. A bath in this pond with a belief that it will only remove my body dirt, then this action will not get Moksham. But same action with a firm belief that I will get Moksham, by bathing in this pond, will get Moksham. So a steadfast belief is to be there along with the vidhi. So: Karma Yogam constitutes: <nowiki>*</nowiki> Performing duties which are prescribed and NOT doing anything which is against prescribed <nowiki>*</nowiki> Belief in it and doing it as Bhagavan's viddhi that it's a means for moksham. (eg: not having faith while bathing in holy waters, but just doing it because it's prescribed!) (eg: Marrying, having kids, performing family duties etc should be done as Karma yogam, since it is prescribed and do it as a means of moksham i.e just as duty). Karma can be divided into three: <nowiki>*</nowiki> Nitya Karma - to be practiced daily. Tharpanam, Daana-Dharama(Charity), Festival celebration <nowiki>*</nowiki> Naimitika Karma - to be performed due to certain reasons or in certain occasions <nowiki>*</nowiki> Kaamya Karma - Doing things with desire for material benefits, to achieve certain goals eg: passing exam, marriage etc All these karmas or actions are stipulated. These have to be done uninterruptedly. Performing annual ceremonies [shraddham] for deceased forefathers [pithru], celebrating festivals, etc. are all Karma yoga. Why Sri Krishna is encouraging Arjuna to fight? Because it is stipulated for him. He is asked to do what he learnt. So, Karma yoga can be performed by anybody. Sri Krishna lauds the greatness of Karma yoga in the next sloka.

duty, knowledge) and next it explains ways for Moksham. In this slokam, "esa te abhihitA SANKHYE!" - note, esA te i.e in the slokas (2-12 to 2-30), i have explained (abhitha) the philosophy of Sankhye!. Sankhya means "buddhi" and Sankhyam is "the Atma which is understood by Buddhi" and Sankhye is the philosophy which describes the real nature of the soul (i.e it is nityam, it is eternal). I.e i have explained about Sankya Yoga(the true nature of the soul). 'Sankhya' means 'intellect,' and the truth about the Atman, which is determinable by the intellect, is 'Sankhyam'. Concerning the nature of the self which has to be known, whatever Buddhi has to be taught, has been taught to you in the passage beginning with, 'It is not that I did not exist' (II.12) and ending with the words, 'Therefore, you shall not grieve for any being' (II.30). Krishna says - "yayA buddhyA yuktah" - that buddhih (intelligence) by which , "Karma bandham prahAsyasi" you can released from bondage of reaction - that knowledge (Karma yogam) will be explained to him. The disposition of mind (Buddhi) which is required for the performance of works preceded by knowledge of the self and which thus constitutes the means of attaining release, that is here called by the term Yoga. It will be clearly told later on, 'Work done with desire for fruits is far inferior to work done with evennes of mind' (II. 49). "buddhir yoge tv imAm srunu" - Now Listen(Srnu) about yogE buddhi (karma yogam). What Buddhi or attitude of mind is required for making your act deserve the name of Yoga, listen to it now. Endowed with that knowledge, you will be able to cast away the bondage of Karma. 'Karma-bandha' means the bondage due to Karma i.e., the bondage of Samsara. 'Sankhya' means 'intellect,' and the truth about the Atman, which is determinable by the intellect, is 'Sankhyam'. Concerning the nature of the self which has to be known, whatever Buddhi has to be taught, has been taught to you in the passage beginning with, 'It is not that I did not exist' (II.12) and ending with the words, 'Therefore, you shall not grieve for any being' (II.30). The disposition of mind (Buddhi) which is required for the performance of works preceded by knowledge of the self and which thus constitutes the means of attaining release, that is here called by the term Yoga. It will be clearly told later on, 'Work done with desire for fruits is far inferior to work done with evennes of mind' (II. 49). What Buddhi or attitude of mind is required for making your act deserve the name of Yoga, listen to it now. Endowed with that knowledge, you will be able to cast away the bondage of Karma. 'Karma-bandha' means the bondage due to Karma i.e., the bondage of Samsara. Now question comes up, Arjuna is not intrested in fighting. So, why is Krishna talking about Sankha Yogam, Karma yogam etc, rather than just exhorting Arjuna to fight?? Krishna first explains thru Sankha Yogam that Souls are eternal and body is temporary, thus killing in a just war is not sinful and Arjuna shouldn't go weak at the thought of killing relatives etc. Next, Krishna addresses the concern of Arjuna about not being intrested in fruits of war etc, by talking about Karma Yogam and explaining that Arjuna need not fight for fruitive results, but a Saadhanam for Moksham. Waging just war is a Kshatriya Dharma and is his karma yogam. Karma Yogam: Introduction: One can do a thing anywhere, or as prescribed in vedas or not prescribed according to vedas. But, if one performs a duty in a "loukeeka" fashion, one doesn't get any benefit other than material benefits. But, if one does one's duty as per the viddhi of vedas, eg> when we bath at home, under a tap etc, there is no additional benefit, apart from cleaning body. But, if we take a dip in ganges and other temple pushkarinis, the body not only gets cleaned, but we are also blessed with washing away of paap. Why? Because it's prescribed in vedas. What constitutes Karma yogam - All our daily activities, eating, sleeping, working, helping etc basically constitute Karma yogam. Simple? Right? Yes. But, this needs to be done as per the prescription of Vedas and not do anything which is NOT prescribed in the vedas. And it needs to be done in full faith and spirit and also NOT with sense of attachment. For eg: if one takes bath in Pushkarini, without any belief in it's powers, then it will not help. Again, What is Karma yoga? It is eating, sleeping, working, etc. Nothing extra is required to be done. But these activities are to be done as prescribed in shastras. This is very important. If we do our activities according to the dos and don ts of shastras, it is  karmayoga. If we do karma yoga we are sure to attain Moksham. Shastras are instructions given by God. He has told that He liberates the one who faithfully follows His instructions. Once we have that belief that we are acting according to the stipulations of the Lord, He also will erase all our paap and make us to reach our natural state of happiness,Moksham. In these instructions one is asked to eat, sleep and work. Nowhere the shastras ask us not to do anything else. The person instructed [by shastras] could be a bachelor or married or sanyasin or a beast or bird. Whoever be, if the prescribed action is performed with a firm belief that this will yield Moksham, that result will be achieved. A bath in this pond with a belief that it will only remove my body dirt, then this action will not get Moksham. But same action with a firm belief that I will get Moksham, by bathing in this pond, will get Moksham. So a steadfast belief is to be there along with the vidhi. So: Karma Yogam constitutes: <nowiki>*</nowiki> Performing duties which are prescribed and NOT doing anything which is against prescribed <nowiki>*</nowiki> Belief in it and doing it as Bhagavan's viddhi that it's a means for moksham. (eg: not having faith while bathing in holy waters, but just doing it because it's prescribed!) (eg: Marrying, having kids, performing family duties etc should be done as Karma yogam, since it is prescribed and do it as a means of moksham i.e just as duty). Karma can be divided into three: <nowiki>*</nowiki> Nitya Karma - to be practiced daily. Tharpanam, Daana-Dharama(Charity), Festival celebration <nowiki>*</nowiki> Naimitika Karma - to be performed due to certain reasons or in certain occasions <nowiki>*</nowiki> Kaamya Karma - Doing things with desire for material benefits, to achieve certain goals eg: passing exam, marriage etc All these karmas or actions are stipulated. These have to be done uninterruptedly. Performing annual ceremonies [shraddham] for deceased forefathers [pithru], celebrating festivals, etc. are all Karma yoga. Why Sri Krishna is encouraging Arjuna to fight? Because it is stipulated for him. He is asked to do what he learnt. So, Karma yoga can be performed by anybody. Sri Krishna lauds the greatness of Karma yoga in the next sloka.

2-40: nehA-abhikrama nAso-asti ! Pratya-vAyo na vidyate! svalpam apya-sya dharmasya! trAyateh mahato bhayAt! "In this endeavor [karma yoga] there is no loss or lessening for a little advancement on this path and can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear." In this slokam, Krishna expounds the benefit and greatness of Karma Yogam. Just like a Parent tells a kid that what glory would be, if he achieves 99% marks , to intrest the kid in studying, similarly Krishna tells the greatness of Karma Yogam to Arjuna, before explaining the details of Karma Yogam. "NehA abikramoa-Nasao Asti" - There is no loss in this Karma yogam. eg. unlike leaves which "lapse", this doesn't lapse. It "carries" over it's benefits. For eg: if we follow for sometime and discontinue, the benefits of whatever we did will not lapse. One percent of work done in Krishna consciousness bears permanent results, so that the next beginning is from the point of two percent, whereas in material business, without a hundred percent profit there is no success. or it's like writing an exam- attempt an answer but even if you do not get the right answer or not complete it, even then the examiner puts marks based on how much you wrote correctly. "pratyavAyo na vidyate" - Another fear is, if we stop karma in between, we incur sins etc. Arjuna is scared that incuring sin would make it a bigger issue and invite additional sins. Krishna says here that, there is no need to fear and it does not happen that way, as long as one performs duties with selfless spirit as a sense of duty for Moksham and not for material gains etc. "Svalpma apsya Dharmasya" - Even performing a little will still help. Atleast do svalpa! (how kind of krishna!) "TrAyateh Mahatoh BhayAt" - Doing the above can protect one from the greatest danger and fear of samsara. The Supreme Lord Krishna reveals that even the slightest, most minuscule effort made regarding this karma yoga of performing actions without desiring fruitive results is never in vain. The word abhikrama is derived from arambha meaning any beginning as in any effort. The word nasa means destruction as in loss of, thus the effort itself is the means to a guaranteed result. Not even is failure accrued when a righteous action is begun but is unable to be completed due to circumstances and absolutely no negative effect will accrue even when a righteous action is interrupted at its very commencement. Even a the most minute righteous action performed without desiring fruitive results saves one with spiritual knowledge from the great fear of the endless cycle of birth and death in the material existence. This same view is further elaborated later in chapter six, verse 40 describing that in this world or the next there is no loss or dimunition for the aspirant.

2-40: nehA-abhikrama nAso-asti ! Pratya-vAyo na vidyate! svalpam apya-sya dharmasya! trAyateh mahato bhayAt! "In this endeavor [karma yoga] there is no loss or lessening for a little advancement on this path and can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear." In this slokam, Krishna expounds the benefit and greatness of Karma Yogam. Just like a Parent tells a kid that what glory would be, if he achieves 99% marks , to intrest the kid in studying, similarly Krishna tells the greatness of Karma Yogam to Arjuna, before explaining the details of Karma Yogam. "NehA abikramoa-Nasao Asti" - There is no loss in this Karma yogam. eg. unlike leaves which "lapse", this doesn't lapse. It "carries" over it's benefits. For eg: if we follow for sometime and discontinue, the benefits of whatever we did will not lapse. One percent of work done in Krishna consciousness bears permanent results, so that the next beginning is from the point of two percent, whereas in material business, without a hundred percent profit there is no success. or it's like writing an exam- attempt an answer but even if you do not get the right answer or not complete it, even then the examiner puts marks based on how much you wrote correctly. "pratyavAyo na vidyate" - Another fear is, if we stop karma in between, we incur paap etc. Arjuna is scared that incuring paap would make it a bigger issue and invite additional paap. Krishna says here that, there is no need to fear and it does not happen that way, as long as one performs duties with selfless spirit as a sense of duty for Moksham and not for material gains etc. "Svalpma apsya Dharmasya" - Even performing a little will still help. Atleast do svalpa! (how kind of krishna!) "TrAyateh Mahatoh BhayAt" - Doing the above can protect one from the greatest danger and fear of samsara. The Supreme Lord Krishna reveals that even the slightest, most minuscule effort made regarding this karma yoga of performing actions without desiring fruitive results is never in vain. The word abhikrama is derived from arambha meaning any beginning as in any effort. The word nasa means destruction as in loss of, thus the effort itself is the means to a guaranteed result. Not even is failure accrued when a righteous action is begun but is unable to be completed due to circumstances and absolutely no negative effect will accrue even when a righteous action is interrupted at its very commencement. Even a the most minute righteous action performed without desiring fruitive results saves one with spiritual knowledge from the great fear of the endless cycle of birth and death in the material existence. This same view is further elaborated later in chapter six, verse 40 describing that in this world or the next there is no loss or dimunition for the aspirant.

2-41:

2-41:

desire excepting Moksham.

desire excepting Moksham.

Here we will explain this cycle to some extent. We are in this world now. We do

Here we will explain this cycle to some extent. We are in this world now. We do

various karmas and earn papa [sin] and punya [virtues]. Papa leads us to hell or

various karmas and earn paap [sin] and punya [virtues]. Paap leads us to hell or

naraka and punya

naraka and punya

takes us to swarga. In both naraka and swarga our atman will get new bodies and

takes us to swarga. In both naraka and swarga our atman will get new bodies and

male or female. Thus the atman resided in space, cloud, rainwater, grains and

male or female. Thus the atman resided in space, cloud, rainwater, grains and

womb and then takes the body of a child and is born. The born child grows,

womb and then takes the body of a child and is born. The born child grows,

performs karmas and earns papa

performs karmas and earns paap

and punya and accordingly reaches hell or heaven and after the papa/punya is

and punya and accordingly reaches hell or heaven and after the paap/punya is

expended, again pushed out to start the next cycle. We have to therefore learn

expended, again pushed out to start the next cycle. We have to therefore learn

that we will have to do our

that we will have to do our

thinking what is good for the soul. Naturally, they can never do karma yoga and

thinking what is good for the soul. Naturally, they can never do karma yoga and

consequently, Moksham is denied to them. That means they will be in the birthdeath

consequently, Moksham is denied to them. That means they will be in the birthdeath

cycle and earn papa and punya. To expend these more and more births will be

cycle and earn paap and punya. To expend these more and more births will be

needed. So only by doing one s duty with detachment and determination, one can

needed. So only by doing one s duty with detachment and determination, one can

come away from the cycle of births. This is the substance of 44th sloka.

come away from the cycle of births. This is the substance of 44th sloka.

karma. With proper understanding or buddhi that the karma is being done as a

karma. With proper understanding or buddhi that the karma is being done as a

devotion to Him and not for any inferior rewards, when the person is doing the

devotion to Him and not for any inferior rewards, when the person is doing the

karma yoga here itself- he relinquishes both punya and papa.  Therefore Arjuna

karma yoga here itself- he relinquishes both punya and paap.  Therefore Arjuna

should strive to get that buddhi. Arjuna should fight, as it is his dharma. By

should strive to get that buddhi. Arjuna should fight, as it is his dharma. By

doing that he should realize he will be pleasing the Lord. Pleasing Him will make

doing that he should realize he will be pleasing the Lord. Pleasing Him will make

But a thought that this fight will enable him to experience blood smeared victory

But a thought that this fight will enable him to experience blood smeared victory

and kingdom, will bring rebirths and the associated miseries. Kausalam is talent.

and kingdom, will bring rebirths and the associated miseries. Kausalam is talent.

Sri Krishna says that both papa and punya are expended. How can doing karma

Sri Krishna says that both paap and punya are expended. How can doing karma

nullify our papa and punya? How are these related? These doubts may arise. How our

nullify our paap and punya? How are these related? These doubts may arise. How our

performing karma destroys the invisible papa and punya? This is one query.

performing karma destroys the invisible paap and punya? This is one query.

In Athimanushastavam, Kooratalwan says that in this world punya or papa is related

In Athimanushastavam, Kooratalwan says that in this world punya or paap is related

to His feeling of happiness and unhappiness. It is all right papa is destroyed,

to His feeling of happiness and unhappiness. It is all right paap is destroyed,

but why should the punya also

but why should the punya also

be got rid of? After all everybody is trying to acquire punya. Why then Sri

be got rid of? After all everybody is trying to acquire punya. Why then Sri

Krishna says punya as well as papa will be removed? We should know what are punya

Krishna says punya as well as paap will be removed? We should know what are punya

and papa. We do certain karma and they may bring punya for us. Some other deeds

and paap. We do certain karma and they may bring punya for us. Some other deeds

may bring papa. These are not written anywhere as we do various deeds whether any

may bring paap. These are not written anywhere as we do various deeds whether any

are for punya or papa. But these are engraved in Him. They cannot be wiped out nor

are for punya or paap. But these are engraved in Him. They cannot be wiped out nor

there will be any misappropriation of one s papa and punya are accounted for

there will be any misappropriation of one s paap and punya are accounted for

someone else. If our deed pleases Him, they are punya. If our deeds are

someone else. If our deed pleases Him, they are punya. If our deeds are

displeasing to Him, then they bring papa. This will raise the doubt why then we

displeasing to Him, then they bring paap. This will raise the doubt why then we

should remove the happiness in Him i.e. punya? We should remember that our goal is

should remove the happiness in Him i.e. punya? We should remember that our goal is

to reach His feet and get

to reach His feet and get

fetters. Whether that person will be happy if

fetters. Whether that person will be happy if

the fetters are golden instead of iron fetters? So, when Moksham is the objective,

the fetters are golden instead of iron fetters? So, when Moksham is the objective,

both papa and punya have to be avoided. By acquiring punya one goes to swarga and

both paap and punya have to be avoided. By acquiring punya one goes to swarga and

by papa actions one

by paap actions one

goes to naraka. In either case, one does not go to Moksham. Therefore one has to

goes to naraka. In either case, one does not go to Moksham. Therefore one has to

avoid the karmas yielding either punya or papa. If punya was just an entity we

avoid the karmas yielding either punya or paap. If punya was just an entity we

could avoid that, but when

could avoid that, but when

punya means God s happiness, should we  avoid that also?

punya means God s happiness, should we  avoid that also?

explained. Atman is residing in a very minute form in the heart. Let us assume

explained. Atman is residing in a very minute form in the heart. Let us assume

that after innumerous births

that after innumerous births

all papa and punya have been expended. After this the journey of the atman starts.

all paap and punya have been expended. After this the journey of the atman starts.

All the shackles of papa and punya acquired not only in this life of 70 or 80

All the shackles of paap and punya acquired not only in this life of 70 or 80

years but of the innumerous birth

years but of the innumerous birth

cycles experienced by the atman and which have been there binding us to this

cycles experienced by the atman and which have been there binding us to this

which were all temporary and transient. Mourning such actions of us is nirvedam.

which were all temporary and transient. Mourning such actions of us is nirvedam.

So far we have understood that karma performed with detachment and with our buddhi

So far we have understood that karma performed with detachment and with our buddhi

or conscience involved, our papa and punya are eradicated. With the elimination of

or conscience involved, our paap and punya are eradicated. With the elimination of

papa and punya , rebirths are eliminated. By avoiding rebirth we reach God s feet.

paap and punya , rebirths are eliminated. By avoiding rebirth we reach God s feet.

Nammalwar says [2.x]: Pattrilan Isanum , Muttravam Ninrann, Patrilayaay, avan

Nammalwar says [2.x]: Pattrilan Isanum , Muttravam Ninrann, Patrilayaay, avan

Mutril Adange! the Lord does not desire anything else but only us. When will we

Mutril Adange! the Lord does not desire anything else but only us. When will we

never drives him away.

never drives him away.

In this context, it's useful to note the slokam on Sudarshan Azhwar. The Discus

In this context, it's useful to note the slokam on Sudarshan Azhwar. The Discus

held by the Lord in His right hand eliminates all our sins.

held by the Lord in His right hand eliminates all our paap.

Spurath sahasrara sikhathi theevram Sudarsanam bhaskara koti thulyam l

Spurath sahasrara sikhathi theevram Sudarsanam bhaskara koti thulyam l

surad visam prana vinasi Vishno: chakram sadaham saranam prabadye ll

surad visam prana vinasi Vishno: chakram sadaham saranam prabadye ll

We should also have identical desire but we concentrated on inferior rewards.

We should also have identical desire but we concentrated on inferior rewards.

Pondering over this only will induce nirvedam and Arjuna will start disliking his

Pondering over this only will induce nirvedam and Arjuna will start disliking his

behavior all these days. Our buddhi is contaminated. As long as papa and punya are

behavior all these days. Our buddhi is contaminated. As long as paap and punya are

there our buddhi will be like this only. Just as we cannot see our image clearly

there our buddhi will be like this only. Just as we cannot see our image clearly

if the mirror has dust on it, with polluted mind we cannot perform any yoga

if the mirror has dust on it, with polluted mind we cannot perform any yoga

eliminate the contaminations in our mind or intellect. Why this contamination was

eliminate the contaminations in our mind or intellect. Why this contamination was

there?

there?

As long as papa and punya are there this pollution will be there. Confusion is the

As long as paap and punya are there this pollution will be there. Confusion is the

contamination. What is the confusion? Which is to be discarded and which is to be

contamination. What is the confusion? Which is to be discarded and which is to be

adhered to? This lack of

adhered to? This lack of

be detached should be there. In a confused mind meditation is impossible. Without

be detached should be there. In a confused mind meditation is impossible. Without

meditation, we cannot get atma sakshatkaram. We can visualize this as stairway.

meditation, we cannot get atma sakshatkaram. We can visualize this as stairway.

By performing Karma yoga we can eradicate papa and punya. Eliminating papa and

By performing Karma yoga we can eradicate paap and punya. Eliminating paap and

punya will facilitate to clear the confusion in our minds as to which are to be

punya will facilitate to clear the confusion in our minds as to which are to be

adhered to and which are to

adhered to and which are to

sakshatkaram is another part. To get this we require doing continuous meditation,

sakshatkaram is another part. To get this we require doing continuous meditation,

which is called Gyana yoga. This requires unpolluted intellect and so we have to

which is called Gyana yoga. This requires unpolluted intellect and so we have to

get rid of papa and punya.

get rid of paap and punya.

This needs performing Karma yoga. For this basic knowledge about atman is

This needs performing Karma yoga. For this basic knowledge about atman is

necessary. That is why Sri Krishna sermonized on the basic nature of atman from

necessary. That is why Sri Krishna sermonized on the basic nature of atman from

learning the attitude of a Karma yogi, we have now learnt from 39th till 52nd

learning the attitude of a Karma yogi, we have now learnt from 39th till 52nd

sloka detailingKarma yoga.

sloka detailingKarma yoga.

The one, who does Karma yoga with buddhi, destroys papa and punya and gets the

The one, who does Karma yoga with buddhi, destroys paap and punya and gets the

bliss of Moksham. (Ihey Sukrutah duskrute. Iha Gahati ; Tadah Gacchanti AnAmayam).

bliss of Moksham. (Ihey Sukrutah duskrute. Iha Gahati ; Tadah Gacchanti AnAmayam).

Karma yoga was deliberated. Karma yoga removes papa/punya. Removal of papa/punya

Karma yoga was deliberated. Karma yoga removes paap/punya. Removal of paap/punya

gets us nirmala or unalloyed, serene mind.

gets us nirmala or unalloyed, serene mind.

Looking back we can appreciate the logical manner all the slokas are placed. Like

Looking back we can appreciate the logical manner all the slokas are placed. Like

sloka , he detailed about Atma's nityatvam and Atma Gnaanam. And Till 52nd sloka

sloka , he detailed about Atma's nityatvam and Atma Gnaanam. And Till 52nd sloka

Karma Yoga was explained.

Karma Yoga was explained.

Karma yoga removes papa/punya. Removal of papa/punya gets us nirmala or unalloyed,

Karma yoga removes paap/punya. Removal of paap/punya gets us nirmala or unalloyed,

serene mind. The next 53rd sloka will tell us what we achieve by a serene mind. In

serene mind. The next 53rd sloka will tell us what we achieve by a serene mind. In

such a mind a

such a mind a

be resolute and unshakable.

be resolute and unshakable.

It is in a serene and clear mind. Just as a dust-free mirror reflects our face

It is in a serene and clear mind. Just as a dust-free mirror reflects our face

brilliantly, we can see our atman in a serene, free of papa and punya, mind. This

brilliantly, we can see our atman in a serene, free of paap and punya, mind. This

constant meditation is Gyana yoga.

constant meditation is Gyana yoga.

Without papa/punya there is nothing to distract and drag the mind from meditation,

Without paap/punya there is nothing to distract and drag the mind from meditation,

just as a firm ground will not slip below. Continuous Gyana yoga will result in

just as a firm ground will not slip below. Continuous Gyana yoga will result in

atma sakshatkaram.

atma sakshatkaram.

etc)

etc)

Performing Karma yoga with detachment

Performing Karma yoga with detachment

Elimination of papa/punya and acquisition of unconfused mind (after performing

Elimination of paap/punya and acquisition of unconfused mind (after performing

Karma Yogam)

Karma Yogam)

Qualified to undertake Gyana yoga. (after acquiring steady mind )

Qualified to undertake Gyana yoga. (after acquiring steady mind )

and this enlightened his intellect or buddhi and enabled him to know what is to be

and this enlightened his intellect or buddhi and enabled him to know what is to be

adhered to and what are to be discarded in life, resulting in removing the

adhered to and what are to be discarded in life, resulting in removing the

contamination of papa/punya in the mind (acala Buddhi) . This knowledge is going

contamination of paap/punya in the mind (acala Buddhi) . This knowledge is going

to blossom as Gyana yoga, which will remain steady(samadhau). This will mature in

to blossom as Gyana yoga, which will remain steady(samadhau). This will mature in

due course to have atma sakshatkaram.

due course to have atma sakshatkaram.

work. If we do our routine work with a resolution that we will not do them for

work. If we do our routine work with a resolution that we will not do them for

ordinary rewards and with total detachment, it is Karma yoga. Continuous practice

ordinary rewards and with total detachment, it is Karma yoga. Continuous practice

of Karma yoga, reduces the impact of papa/punya. Because of papa only we suffer so

of Karma yoga, reduces the impact of paap/punya. Because of paap only we suffer so

many things in life like sickness, poverty, children s problems and so many. So we

many things in life like sickness, poverty, children s problems and so many. So we

have to get the impact of papa reduced. We are normally interested in rewards but

have to get the impact of paap reduced. We are normally interested in rewards but

we do not ponder over the ways to achieve. That is why Sri Krishna advises Arjuna

we do not ponder over the ways to achieve. That is why Sri Krishna advises Arjuna

to do his assigned duties with detachment and this will, as Karma yoga, yield

to do his assigned duties with detachment and this will, as Karma yoga, yield

thereby. This common objective of pleasing God for all of us in all works will

thereby. This common objective of pleasing God for all of us in all works will

make us practice Karma yoga. But if our objectives are all different we will be

make us practice Karma yoga. But if our objectives are all different we will be

reborn. Karma yoga will reduce papa/punya and mind will get purified. All these we

reborn. Karma yoga will reduce paap/punya and mind will get purified. All these we

were doing with very little application of our intellect- that we are not doing

were doing with very little application of our intellect- that we are not doing

these and not aspiring for ordinary rewards. We are yet to do meditation by

these and not aspiring for ordinary rewards. We are yet to do meditation by

In the Vishnu Purana XI.VII.LXXIV beginning yatha adniruddhata-sikhah it is

In the Vishnu Purana XI.VII.LXXIV beginning yatha adniruddhata-sikhah it is

written that as a blazing fire fanned by blowing wind burns up dry wood; in the

written that as a blazing fire fanned by blowing wind burns up dry wood; in the

same way Lord Krishna enthroned in the heart burns up all sins of those who link

same way Lord Krishna enthroned in the heart burns up all paap of those who link

their individual consciousness with the ultimate consciousness in soul cognition.

their individual consciousness with the ultimate consciousness in soul cognition.

Spiritual intelligence is confirmed in those whose senses are under control. But

Spiritual intelligence is confirmed in those whose senses are under control. But

though that person

though that person

controls the senses, contemplation on sense-objects is unavoidable on account of

controls the senses, contemplation on sense-objects is unavoidable on account of

the impressions of sins from time immemorial. He details this in gradual steps:

the impressions of paap from time immemorial. He details this in gradual steps:

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Dhyaayatoh Visaayam Pumsah: The mind starts wandering and contemplating on

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Dhyaayatoh Visaayam Pumsah: The mind starts wandering and contemplating on

cheap and inferior matters i.e objects of senses (sparsham, roopam, gandham ,

cheap and inferior matters i.e objects of senses (sparsham, roopam, gandham ,

removed. This is the last step. If God were to enquire as to what we want, we

removed. This is the last step. If God were to enquire as to what we want, we

would promptly say all our miseries should be removed. Here Sri Krishna indicates

would promptly say all our miseries should be removed. Here Sri Krishna indicates

the miseries of samsaram [the birth due to papa and punya karma].

the miseries of samsaram [the birth due to paap and punya karma].

Arjuna gets a doubt here. What is the relation between serene mind and the

Arjuna gets a doubt here. What is the relation between serene mind and the

miseries of samsaram? Sri Krishna replies in the second half of the sloka.

miseries of samsaram? Sri Krishna replies in the second half of the sloka.

In the last line he said, one could get Moksham and that is Samadhi.

In the last line he said, one could get Moksham and that is Samadhi.

On our own we are unable to control organs. Why do we visit temples often? By

On our own we are unable to control organs. Why do we visit temples often? By

having such darshan, our papas are dissipated, rajo/tamo gunas get diminished,

having such darshan, our paaps are dissipated, rajo/tamo gunas get diminished,

likes and dislikes are

likes and dislikes are

removed, organs and mind get controlled. This would make us desire less and we

removed, organs and mind get controlled. This would make us desire less and we