2.3 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 2, Verse 3

In this pivotal verse of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna directly addresses Arjuna's overwhelmed state on the battlefield, using uncharacteristically strong words to break through his confusion and hesitation. Krishna remarks that such unmanly weakness and despair are not befitting of Arjuna, who comes from a noble lineage and has always exhibited great valor. By calling out Arjuna’s faltering spirit, Krishna aims to jolt him out of his paralysis, reminding him that he is not just a warrior, but also the son of Prtha (Kunti), renowned for her fortitude and unwavering commitment to duty even in the face of immense adversity.

The language Krishna uses here is deliberately shocking. He accuses Arjuna of displaying “klaibyam,” which conveys a sense of impotence, cowardice, or lack of resolve. For a kshatriya—one belonging to the warrior class—such a charge is humiliating and would naturally spark a defensive reaction. Krishna is not being cruel; rather, he knows that Arjuna’s pride as a warrior is rooted in his identity, and by challenging it, Krishna hopes to reignite Arjuna’s inner fire. He reminds Arjuna that feelings of pity and weakness, when arising from delusion and not discernment, are unworthy and must be set aside.

The phrase “tyaktva kṣudram hṛdaya-daurbalyam” in the verse literally means, “Give up this petty weakness of heart.” Krishna is precise in his diagnosis: Arjuna’s inertia is the result of a temporary emotional collapse rather than genuine compassion or wisdom. Krishna insists that such frailty does not suit someone of Arjuna’s stature and urges him to rise—both physically and mentally—to face his duty as a “parantapa,” a conqueror of enemies. Krishna’s words have a dual function: they are both a wake-up call and an affirmation of Arjuna’s true nature, which is powerful, capable, and fearless.

This is a transformative moment in the Gita’s narrative. Until now, Arjuna has been mired in sorrow and indecision, wavering between his roles as a warrior and as a relative to those on the opposite side. Krishna, by shaking Arjuna with his words, is seeking to bring an end to this vacillation. This intervention sets the stage for Arjuna’s surrender, after which Krishna will begin his true teachings about the nature of life, duty, and spirituality. In that sense, this verse serves as the bridge between Arjuna’s emotional turmoil and the profound wisdom that the rest of the Gita will unveil.

It’s notable that Krishna addresses Arjuna using both his personal name, Partha, and by referencing his mother Kunti. This evokes not just Arjuna’s individual identity but also his family heritage, alluding to the expectations and values passed down to him. By invoking his lineage, Krishna taps into Arjuna’s deepest sense of pride and responsibility. The reminder is subtle but powerful: Arjuna belongs to a line of heroes and stalwarts, and he cannot allow himself to be defined by momentary weakness.

Krishna’s challenge to Arjuna can be likened to a coach spurring an athlete who is in the midst of a slump, not by coddling them but by confronting them with hard truths. The moment might be uncomfortable, even painful, but it is shaped by a genuine intent to motivate and restore confidence. Krishna’s words are thus both a confrontation and an affirmation of faith in Arjuna’s underlying strength and character.

At a broader level in the storyline, this verse marks the threshold where Arjuna must make a choice: continue to succumb to his emotions or rise above them to fulfill his true purpose. Krishna’s approach is neither to dismiss Arjuna’s feelings outright nor to indulge them. Instead, he reframes the situation, reminding Arjuna of who he truly is beyond momentary emotions. Before any great action, a person may need to face and transcend internal resistances. Krishna, as a wise friend and guide, uses incisive words to draw Arjuna’s consciousness out from despair to courage and clarity.

Thus, this verse stands as an exhortation against the paralysis of self-doubt and the tendency to avoid difficult responsibilities. Krishna does not begin his formal teachings here; instead, he starts by addressing Arjuna’s heart, knowing that unless Arjuna is mentally ready, no wisdom can take root. It is a call to awaken, to shake off the dust of confusion and remember the core identity that one carries within—courageous, strong, and destined for action. Krishna’s words are not just for Arjuna—they echo through time as a reminder to all who lose themselves in moments of fear, doubt, or indecisiveness.