एतन्मे संशयं कृष्ण छेत्तुमर्हस्यशेषतः |
त्वदन्यः संशयस्यास्य छेत्ता न ह्युपपद्यते ||३९||
etan me sanśhayaṁ kṛiṣhṇa chhettum arhasyaśheṣhataḥ
tvad-anyaḥ sanśhayasyāsya chhettā na hyupapadyate
श्लोक ३९: हे कृष्ण, कृपया मेरे इस संदेह को पूर्ण रूप से दूर कर दें। आपके अतिरिक्त कोई मेरे इस संदेह को दूर नहीं कर सकता।
Shloka 39: O Krishna, please completely dispel this doubt of mine. There is no one other than you who can remove this doubt.
In Bhagavad Gita verse 6.39, Arjuna humbly approaches Krishna with a profound doubt that has been troubling him. Having expressed his concerns about the fate of spiritual seekers who begin their journey with faith but fail to complete it, Arjuna now directly appeals to Krishna's wisdom: "O Krishna, please dispel this doubt of mine completely, for who other than You can do so?"
This verse reveals Arjuna's deep faith in Krishna as the supreme authority and the only one capable of resolving his uncertainty. Arjuna acknowledges that while there may be many learned scholars with theoretical knowledge of scriptures, and even realized saints with spiritual wisdom, none possess the complete omniscience that Krishna does. Only the Supreme Lord has the perfect understanding to address this existential question about the destiny of an incomplete spiritual journey.
The Sanskrit term "saṁśayam" used by Arjuna refers to his doubt or uncertainty, and he asks Krishna to "chettum" (cut or dispel) it "aśheṣhataḥ" (completely, without remainder). This demonstrates Arjuna's understanding that doubts arising from ignorance can only be fully removed by perfect knowledge, which only Krishna possesses.
Arjuna's question stems from a genuine concern about spiritual practitioners who start with sincere intentions but get distracted by the restless mind. His worry centers on whether such individuals become like fragments of cloud, torn from the main mass and floating without foundation – neither established in material success nor spiritual realization. This metaphorical imagery powerfully conveys the fear of being caught between worlds, belonging nowhere.
The verse also highlights Arjuna's exemplary humility as a disciple. Despite being a mighty warrior and Krishna's dear friend, he approaches with the reverence and surrender that characterizes an ideal student-teacher relationship. His attitude reflects the understanding that pride and arrogance have no place in the presence of the Supreme Truth. By acknowledging his limitations and Krishna's supreme position, Arjuna demonstrates the proper consciousness for receiving transcendental knowledge.
This moment in the Gita is significant because it shows that having doubts is not contrary to spiritual advancement. What matters is how we address those doubts and whom we approach for clarification. Arjuna does not allow his uncertainty to diminish his faith in Krishna; rather, he turns to the very source of all knowledge with trust and devotion. This teaches us that doubts, when brought before proper authority with the right attitude, can become stepping stones to deeper understanding.
The verse serves as a bridge between Arjuna's expression of concern and Krishna's forthcoming reassurance about the fate of unsuccessful yogis. By placing his doubt at Krishna's feet, Arjuna creates the perfect opportunity for divine wisdom to flow, not just for his benefit but for all spiritual seekers through the ages who might wonder about the consequences of an incomplete spiritual journey. His question reflects a universal human concern: what happens if we start something meaningful but fail to complete it?
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