Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 4

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 4: Arjuna’s Dilemma

Sanskrit Verse:

अर्जुन उवाच |
कथं भीष्ममहं सङ्ख्ये द्रोणं च मधुसूदन |
इषुभिः प्रतियोत्स्यामि पूजार्हावरिसूदन ॥ ४ ॥

Transliteration:

arjuna uvāca
kathaṁ bhīṣmam ahaṁ saṅkhye droṇaṁ ca madhusūdana
iṣubhiḥ pratiyotsyāmi pūjārhāvari-sūdana

Translation:

Arjuna said:
"O Madhusudana (Krishna), how can I counterattack in battle against Bhishma and Drona, who are worthy of my worship, O Arisudana (destroyer of enemies)?"

" अर्जुन ने कहा: "हे मधुसूदन (कृष्ण), मैं युद्ध में भीष्म और द्रोण के विरुद्ध कैसे जवाबी हमला कर सकता हूँ, जो मेरी पूजा के योग्य हैं, हे अरिसूदन (शत्रुओं का नाश करने वाले)? "

---

Understanding Arjuna’s Doubt

At this moment in the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is deeply troubled and overwhelmed with emotions. As the great war of Kurukshetra is about to begin, he sees his beloved elders—Bhishma, his grandsire, and Dronacharya, his guru—standing as his opponents. He is unable to comprehend how he can fight against those whom he holds in the highest respect.

This verse highlights Arjuna’s internal moral conflict. He is not afraid of the war itself but is struggling with the idea of raising his weapon against those whom he reveres. His devotion to righteousness makes him question the very foundation of his duty as a warrior (Kshatriya dharma).

---

Symbolic Interpretation

1. Conflict Between Duty and Emotion:
   Arjuna’s hesitation represents the universal human conflict between personal emotions and duty. Many times, in life, we face situations where our responsibilities seem to clash with our attachments and emotions.

2. Importance of Guru and Elders:
   Arjuna acknowledges that Bhishma and Drona are worthy of worship, showing the Indian tradition of respecting teachers and elders. However, Krishna will later guide him to understand that one's duty (dharma) must take precedence over personal relationships when righteousness is at stake.

3. The Role of Krishna as a Guide:
   Arjuna calls Krishna "Madhusudana" (slayer of the demon Madhu) and "Arisudana" (slayer of enemies). This shows his awareness of Krishna’s divine role as the destroyer of evil. Yet, he is unsure whether his own actions will be righteous if he fights against his loved ones.

---

Relevance in Modern Life

1. Dilemmas in Decision-Making:
   Just like Arjuna, we often face moral dilemmas where we must choose between personal emotions and professional or ethical duties. For example, a judge might have to sentence someone they know, or a manager may have to discipline an employee they personally like.

2. Overcoming Emotional Attachments:
   This verse teaches that while emotions are natural, they should not cloud our judgment. Clear thinking, guided by wisdom (like Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna), helps us make the right decisions.

3. Duty Over Relationships:
   In times of crisis, we must focus on what is right rather than who is involved. Arjuna’s hesitation teaches us that even great warriors struggle with difficult decisions, but guidance and wisdom can help us overcome doubts.

---

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 2.4 captures the profound inner turmoil of Arjuna as he struggles with his emotions and duty. His hesitation is relatable to anyone who has ever faced a moral dilemma. Krishna, as the divine guide, will soon help him see the bigger picture and understand that righteousness (dharma) is above personal attachments.

This verse reminds us that true wisdom lies in recognizing our responsibilities and fulfilling them without attachment, even in the face of difficult decisions.