Bhagavad Gita 2.9 — Arjuna Declares 'I Shall Not Fight' and Falls Silent
सञ्जय उवाच।
एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशः परन्तप।
न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दमुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह॥ २.९॥
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Sanjaya said: O scorcher of foes, having spoken thus to Hrishikesha, Gudakesha (Arjuna) said to Govinda, "I shall not fight," and became silent.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| evam | thus |
| uktvā | having spoken |
| hṛṣhīkeśham | to Hrishikesha, lord of the senses (Krishna) |
| guḍākeśhaḥ | Gudakesha, conqueror of sleep (Arjuna) |
| parantapa | O scorcher of foes |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not |
| yotsye | I shall fight |
| iti | thus |
| govindam | to Govinda (Krishna) |
| uktvā | having said |
| tūṣhṇīm | silent |
| babhūva | became |
| ha | indeed |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| evam | thus | na | not |
| uktvā | having spoken | yotsye | I shall fight |
| hṛṣhīkeśham | to Hrishikesha, lord of the senses (Krishna) | iti | thus |
| guḍākeśhaḥ | Gudakesha, conqueror of sleep (Arjuna) | govindam | to Govinda (Krishna) |
| parantapa | O scorcher of foes | uktvā | having said |
| tūṣhṇīm | silent | ||
| babhūva | became | ||
| ha | indeed | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse Sañjaya reports the end of Arjuna's speech. After telling Lord Krishna that he will not fight, Arjuna falls silent. The silence is important, for it shows that he has no more arguments left. The stage is now ready for the Lord to begin the great teaching.
Essence
The final declaration
Arjuna says, na yotsye, 'I will not fight.' After all his reasoning, his tears, and his doubts, this is the conclusion he reaches. It is a firm refusal, and yet it is also the statement of someone who does not understand where it leads. A refusal to act is also a decision, and it has consequences just as action has.
Names that carry meaning
Guḍākeśa (conqueror of sleep): This is a traditional epithet of Arjuna, and it reflects his alertness and discipline. There is a gentle irony in using it here. The one who conquers sleep is now overcome by an inner sleep of confusion.
Hṛṣīkeśa (master of the senses): Krishna is addressed with a name that suggests complete mastery over the senses. Arjuna's senses have become dry and weak with grief, while the Lord stands as the master of the senses. The one who can steady the senses of all beings is the one now sitting before him.
Govinda: Arjuna also speaks to Him as the protector and delighter of the cows and the senses, a tender name that reflects the closeness of their relationship.
Tūṣṇīm: the silence of exhaustion and readiness
The verse ends by saying that Arjuna became silent, tūṣṇīm babhūva ha. This silence carries two meanings. On one level, it is the silence of a person who has exhausted his arguments and is sinking in despair. On another level, it is the silence that a student needs before listening. A mind that is full of its own noise cannot receive wisdom. Arjuna's silence creates the space in which the Gita can be spoken.
Message for Everyday Life (The Value of Silence)
When we are in distress we tend to talk endlessly to ourselves, replaying arguments and justifications. Yet clarity often arrives only when the inner noise subsides.
Let the arguments rest: When you have thought through everything and nothing resolves, pause. Quiet attention can open what constant analysis cannot.
Remember that inaction is also a choice: Saying 'I will not' or 'I will wait' is itself a decision, and it deserves the same honest examination as any action.
The final declaration
Arjuna says, na yotsye, 'I will not fight.' After all his reasoning, his tears, and his doubts, this is the conclusion he reaches. It is a firm refusal, and yet it is also the statement of someone who does not understand where it leads. A refusal to act is also a decision, and it has consequences just as action has.
Names that carry meaning
Guḍākeśa (conqueror of sleep): This is a traditional epithet of Arjuna, and it reflects his alertness and discipline. There is a gentle irony in using it here. The one who conquers sleep is now overcome by an inner sleep of confusion.
Hṛṣīkeśa (master of the senses): Krishna is addressed with a name that suggests complete mastery over the senses. Arjuna's senses have become dry and weak with grief, while the Lord stands as the master of the senses. The one who can steady the senses of all beings is the one now sitting before him.
Govinda: Arjuna also speaks to Him as the protector and delighter of the cows and the senses, a tender name that reflects the closeness of their relationship.
Tūṣṇīm: the silence of exhaustion and readiness
The verse ends by saying that Arjuna became silent, tūṣṇīm babhūva ha. This silence carries two meanings. On one level, it is the silence of a person who has exhausted his arguments and is sinking in despair. On another level, it is the silence that a student needs before listening. A mind that is full of its own noise cannot receive wisdom. Arjuna's silence creates the space in which the Gita can be spoken.
Message for Everyday Life (The Value of Silence)
When we are in distress we tend to talk endlessly to ourselves, replaying arguments and justifications. Yet clarity often arrives only when the inner noise subsides.
Let the arguments rest: When you have thought through everything and nothing resolves, pause. Quiet attention can open what constant analysis cannot.
Remember that inaction is also a choice: Saying 'I will not' or 'I will wait' is itself a decision, and it deserves the same honest examination as any action.
Next Topic
Arjuna has said that he will not fight and has gone silent. The question now is how the Lord will respond to such complete despair. In the next verse we see something unexpected: Krishna answers with a smile.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Some silences speak louder than any argument.
Walking away is a decision, not an escape.
At the lowest point, the right question gets asked.
Overwhelm often looks like calm from outside.
When words end, the teacher can begin.
Even the strong sometimes fall quiet.
The great teaching starts where the argument ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sanjaya speaking to in this verse?
Why is Arjuna called 'Guḍākeśha' (conqueror of sleep)?
What do the names 'Hṛṣhīkeśha' (lord of the senses) and 'Govinda' (one who delights the senses, the cowherd) convey?
What does 'na yotsye' (I shall not fight) show?
Why does Arjuna become 'tūṣhṇīm' (silent)?
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