Bhagavad Gita 2.2 — Krishna Rebukes Arjuna's Delusion at the Critical Hour
श्रीभगवानुवाच।
कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम्।
अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन॥ २.२॥
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The Blessed Lord said: O Arjuna, how has this delusion overtaken you at this critical moment? It is practiced by the ignoble, it does not lead to heaven, and it causes disgrace.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kutaḥ | from where, how, why |
| tvā | to you |
| kaśhmalam | delusion, impurity of mind, weakness |
| idam | this |
| viṣhame | at this critical, difficult moment |
| samupasthitam | has come upon, has overtaken |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| anāryajuṣhṭam | practiced by the ignoble, unbecoming of a noble person |
| asvargyam | not leading to heaven, not conducive to a higher state |
| akīrtikaram | causing disgrace, bringing infamy |
| arjuna | O Arjuna |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kutaḥ | from where, how, why | anāryajuṣhṭam | practiced by the ignoble, unbecoming of a noble person |
| tvā | to you | asvargyam | not leading to heaven, not conducive to a higher state |
| kaśhmalam | delusion, impurity of mind, weakness | akīrtikaram | causing disgrace, bringing infamy |
| idam | this | arjuna | O Arjuna |
| viṣhame | at this critical, difficult moment | ||
| samupasthitam | has come upon, has overtaken | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Lord Krishna speaks for the first time in the Bhagavad Gita, and His opening is surprisingly direct. Instead of consoling Arjuna, He questions the origin of his dejection and points out that it is unworthy, spiritually fruitless, and damaging to his reputation. This is the approach of a teacher who loves his student too much to flatter him.
Essence
A question that shakes the mind
Lord Krishna asks, kutas tvā kaśmalam idam, 'From where has this impurity of the mind come upon you?' The question is not asking for information. It makes Arjuna look at his own state of mind. Often the first step in overcoming confusion is to step back and ask where it came from. Krishna is saying that this despondency is not part of Arjuna's true nature; it is an intruder.
Kaśmalam (dejection, a stain on the mind): The word suggests something dirty or clouded. Arjuna's mind, which is normally sharp and clear, has been stained by delusion and weakness.
Viṣame (in this critical, uneven moment): The battlefield is the very place where steadiness is most needed. Weakness that might be forgivable elsewhere becomes dangerous at the crossroads of a great responsibility.
Three verdicts on Arjuna's weakness
Anāryajuṣṭam (not practised by the noble): It is not the conduct of a person of refined and elevated character. Here ārya refers not to birth but to nobility of conduct and understanding.
Asvargyam (not leading to a higher destination): Such an attitude does not lift a person toward inner growth or a higher state. It leads nowhere beneficial.
Akīrtikaram (bringing disgrace): It will damage the reputation Arjuna has earned over a lifetime, and more importantly it will betray what people rightly expect from him.
The compassion of a stern teacher
These words may sound harsh, but they come from deep love. Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna by name, and His aim is to shock the mind out of its stupor. A good teacher knows when gentle comfort is needed and when a firm word is the greater kindness. Sympathy alone would have kept Arjuna in his sorrow.
Message for Everyday Life (Questioning Our Own Weakness)
When we are overwhelmed we often look for sympathy, yet sometimes what we need most is an honest question. Can we ask ourselves, 'Where has this discouragement actually come from? Is it a clear reading of the situation, or is it fear dressed up as wisdom?'
Weakness is not identity: Krishna treats Arjuna's collapse as something temporary that has come upon him. We too are more than our worst moods.
Seek honest voices: Surround yourself with people who care enough to tell you the truth when you are sinking.
A question that shakes the mind
Lord Krishna asks, kutas tvā kaśmalam idam, 'From where has this impurity of the mind come upon you?' The question is not asking for information. It makes Arjuna look at his own state of mind. Often the first step in overcoming confusion is to step back and ask where it came from. Krishna is saying that this despondency is not part of Arjuna's true nature; it is an intruder.
Kaśmalam (dejection, a stain on the mind): The word suggests something dirty or clouded. Arjuna's mind, which is normally sharp and clear, has been stained by delusion and weakness.
Viṣame (in this critical, uneven moment): The battlefield is the very place where steadiness is most needed. Weakness that might be forgivable elsewhere becomes dangerous at the crossroads of a great responsibility.
Three verdicts on Arjuna's weakness
Anāryajuṣṭam (not practised by the noble): It is not the conduct of a person of refined and elevated character. Here ārya refers not to birth but to nobility of conduct and understanding.
Asvargyam (not leading to a higher destination): Such an attitude does not lift a person toward inner growth or a higher state. It leads nowhere beneficial.
Akīrtikaram (bringing disgrace): It will damage the reputation Arjuna has earned over a lifetime, and more importantly it will betray what people rightly expect from him.
The compassion of a stern teacher
These words may sound harsh, but they come from deep love. Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna by name, and His aim is to shock the mind out of its stupor. A good teacher knows when gentle comfort is needed and when a firm word is the greater kindness. Sympathy alone would have kept Arjuna in his sorrow.
Message for Everyday Life (Questioning Our Own Weakness)
When we are overwhelmed we often look for sympathy, yet sometimes what we need most is an honest question. Can we ask ourselves, 'Where has this discouragement actually come from? Is it a clear reading of the situation, or is it fear dressed up as wisdom?'
Weakness is not identity: Krishna treats Arjuna's collapse as something temporary that has come upon him. We too are more than our worst moods.
Seek honest voices: Surround yourself with people who care enough to tell you the truth when you are sinking.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has questioned the source of Arjuna's dejection and declared it unworthy of him. But a diagnosis needs a remedy. In the next verse He gives a direct command that names the problem as unmanliness of the heart and calls Arjuna to rise.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Sometimes the kindest words are the firmest.
Hard moments reveal whether we are led by fear or by clarity.
Weakness accepted becomes weakness multiplied.
A leader's wobble is the team's earthquake.
Real friends tell us what we need to hear.
Rising begins with refusing to stay down.
Not every feeling deserves to be obeyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Krishna begin with a rebuke?
What does 'kaśhmala' (delusion, impurity of mind) mean here?
What is meant by 'anārya' (ignoble)?
What do 'asvargya' (not leading to heaven) and 'akīrti' (disgrace) imply?
Is Krishna criticising compassion itself?
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