Chapter 2 marks the beginning of Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna. Seeing Arjuna overwhelmed by grief and confusion, Krishna first addresses his emotional weakness and then begins explaining the deeper principles of life and duty.

In this chapter, Krishna introduces some of the most essential ideas of the Bhagavad Gita — the immortality of the soul, the nature of righteous action, and the importance of performing one’s duty with steadiness of mind and detachment from results.

Because it lays down the philosophical foundation for the entire dialogue, this chapter is often regarded as the heart of the Bhagavad Gita.