Hair on end, hands folded

tataḥ sa vismayāviṣṭo hṛṣṭaromā dhanañjayaḥpraṇamya śirasā devaṃ kṛtāñjalirabhāṣata

Then, overcome with wonder, hair standing on end, Arjuna bowed his head to the Lord, joined his palms, and spoke.

What it means

Sanjaya describes Arjuna's response. He's overwhelmed with vismaya, astonishment. His hair stands on end. Instinctively, he bows his head and joins his palms. This is the body's natural response to the holy. Not fear first, but wonder, so deep it moves the whole body.

The story

In chapter one, Arjuna's hair stood on end from panic. Now it stands on end from wonder. The same body, a completely different experience. The crisis has turned into revelation.

In your life

Think of the goosebumps at a breathtaking piece of music, or the sight of a newborn. That's awe. Notice your body's response to beauty this week. Let yourself be moved.