Bhagavad Gita 2.7 · Arjuna
The moment Arjuna asks for help
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः
पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः।
यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे
शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्॥
kārpaṇyadoṣopahatasvabhāvaḥ pṛcchāmi tvāṃ dharmasammūḍhacetāḥyacchreyaḥ syānniścitaṃ brūhi tanme śiṣyaste’ahaṃ śādhi māṃ tvāṃ prapannam
Confused about my duty, I ask you. Tell me clearly what is best. I am your disciple. I take refuge in you. Teach me.
Words
- dharma
What it means
This is the turning point of the Gita. Until now, Arjuna has been arguing. Now he admits he doesn't know. He is confused about dharma, his rightful duty. So he stops speaking to Krishna as a friend and asks as a student. The teaching can only begin once he asks.
The story
Arjuna has known Krishna for years. They're cousins and companions. He even married Krishna's sister, Subhadra. But in this moment, something shifts. Head bowed in the chariot, Arjuna becomes a disciple. And Krishna, revered as God, begins to teach.
In your life
You've been white-knuckling a problem alone for months, and your sleep is shot. Today, book the appointment, or call the friend who always tells you the truth. Say the words out loud. I don't know. Please help.
The teaching begins when we ask.