Bhagavad Gita 6.39 — Arjuna's Prayer—Only You Can Completely Remove This Doubt
एतन्मे संशयं कृष्ण छेत्तुमर्हस्यशेषतः।
त्वदन्यः संशयस्यास्य छेत्ता न ह्युपपद्यते॥ ६.३९॥
O Krishna, please remove this doubt of mine completely, for I see no one other than You who is capable of resolving it fully.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etat | this |
| me | my |
| saṃśayam | doubt |
| kṛṣṇa | O Kṛṣṇa! |
| chettum | to dispel |
| arhasi | You are able |
| aśeṣataḥ | completely |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tvat | than You |
| anyaḥ | anyone else |
| saṃśayasya | of this doubt |
| asya | this |
| chettā | remover |
| na | does not |
| hi | indeed |
| upapadyate | exist |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etat | this | tvat | than You |
| me | my | anyaḥ | anyone else |
| saṃśayam | doubt | saṃśayasya | of this doubt |
| kṛṣṇa | O Kṛṣṇa! | asya | this |
| chettum | to dispel | chettā | remover |
| arhasi | You are able | na | does not |
| aśeṣataḥ | completely | hi | indeed |
| upapadyate | exist | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Arjuna humbly requests Lord Krishna to completely remove his doubt, acknowledging that only He can give a definitive answer to this profound spiritual question.
Essence
Arjuna's Humble Appeal
Having expressed his concern about the destiny of an unsuccessful yogi, Arjuna now turns to Lord Krishna with complete faith and humility, asking Him to dispel this doubt once and for all.
Etan me saṁśayam (this doubt of mine): Arjuna openly places his uncertainty before Lord Krishna. Rather than allowing confusion to remain hidden, he seeks clarity from the highest source of wisdom.
Chettum arhasi aśeṣataḥ (please remove it completely): Arjuna does not seek a partial explanation. He asks Lord Krishna to eliminate every trace of doubt so that his understanding becomes firm and complete.
Tvad anyaḥ (other than You): Arjuna acknowledges that no ordinary teacher or philosopher can fully answer this question. Since Lord Krishna knows the truth of karma, rebirth, and liberation, only He can provide the complete answer.
Na hy upapadyate (none else is capable): Arjuna expresses absolute confidence in Lord Krishna's authority. His words demonstrate the ideal attitude of a sincere disciple—humility, trust, and openness to divine instruction.
This verse teaches that genuine spiritual learning requires both honest questioning and faith in authentic guidance. Doubts should not be suppressed, but resolved through proper knowledge.
Message for Everyday Life (The Value of Humble Inquiry)
Do not hesitate to seek clarity: Honest questions asked with humility become powerful instruments of spiritual growth.
Practical approach: Whenever confusion arises on your spiritual journey, seek answers from authentic scriptures and qualified teachers rather than remaining trapped in uncertainty. A sincere question asked with faith often becomes the doorway to deeper wisdom.
Next Topic
Arjuna has now completed his question. In the next verse, Lord Krishna begins His reassuring reply, declaring that no sincere spiritual effort is ever lost and that one who performs good can never meet an unfortunate destiny.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
A sincere question deserves a trustworthy answer.
Growth accelerates when confusion is replaced by clarity.
The willingness to ask is a sign of strength, not weakness.
A wise guide can illuminate paths we cannot yet see.
Trust opens the door through which wisdom enters.
Questions asked with sincerity often become steps toward realization.
A resolved doubt frees energy for deeper progress.