तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत ।
सेनयोरूभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः ॥ १० ॥
tam-uvācha hṛiṣhīkeśhaḥ prahasanniva bhārata
senayorubhayor-madhye viṣhīdantam-idaṁ vachaḥ
हे भरतवंशी! दोनों सेनाओं के मध्य खड़े भगवान कृष्ण ने मंद-मंद मुस्कुराते हुए निराश अर्जुन को इन शब्दों से संबोधित किया।
O descendent of Bharata! As Lord Krishna stood between the two armies, gently smiling, He addressed the despondent Arjuna with these words.
BG 2.10 depicts a pivotal moment on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, captured through Sanjaya's narration to King Dhritarashtra. After Arjuna, overwhelmed by anguish and confusion, declares his inability to fight and falls silent, the attention turns to Krishna, who is about to respond to Arjuna's despair.
As Sanjaya describes, Krishna stands between the vast armies, facing Arjuna’s dejection with an unexpected smile. This reaction is especially significant in such a fraught atmosphere, marked by the tension of imminent war and Arjuna's deep sorrow. Krishna's demeanor demonstrates a profound calm and understanding that contrasts sharply with Arjuna’s turmoil.
The setting of the dialogue is itself remarkable: the exchange takes place openly, in the midst of both armies, with warriors on both sides able to witness the interaction. This public nature of the conversation hints at the universality and importance of the message that is about to be delivered—not just for Arjuna, but for all present, and ultimately for generations to come.
Krishna’s gentle, smiling response, as described by Sanjaya, signals that he is neither alarmed nor disheartened by Arjuna’s reluctance or emotional breakdown. Rather, it reflects the perspective of one who possesses deep wisdom and unwavering equanimity. In this moment, Krishna’s smile suggests an understanding that Arjuna’s confusion is temporary and rooted in ignorance, and that clarity will soon emerge through guidance.
Underlying Krishna's amusement is a compassionate recognition of the human condition. As wise teachers often do, he observes Arjuna's mental struggle not with ridicule, but with empathy and the assurance that transformation is possible. The smile is not dismissive but encouraging, as if silently communicating that even the gravest moments can lead to growth when approached with the right knowledge.
This verse marks the precise transition from Arjuna’s emotional outpouring to Krishna’s spiritual counsel, setting the stage for the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna’s readiness to speak at this juncture indicates that true teaching can begin only when the student is receptive—here, Arjuna, emptied of his preconceptions and ready to listen, creates space for wisdom to enter.
By emphasizing Krishna’s composed and smiling response, the verse illustrates the ideal response to turmoil: steadfastness and peace amidst chaos. Krishna’s attitude demonstrates that wisdom brings not only knowledge but also an unshakable serenity in the face of adversity, a serenity that is about to be imparted to Arjuna through the teachings that follow.
In summary, BG 2.10 serves as a bridge between despair and enlightenment. Arjuna, having expressed his inability to proceed, creates an opening for Krishna’s guidance. Krishna’s tranquil smile, witnessed by all, foreshadows the timeless wisdom that is about to unfold, highlighting the power of knowledge to transform confusion into clarity and fear into strength.
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