Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 2
कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम् ।
अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यकीर्तिकरमर्जुन ॥ २ ॥
kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ
viṣame samupasthitam
anārya-juṣṭam asvargyam
akīrti-karam arjuna
My dear Arjuna, how has this weakness come upon you at this critical moment? It is not befitting a noble person. It does not lead to higher good and brings only dishonor.
With this verse, Krishna begins His response to Arjuna. Instead of immediately offering philosophical teachings, He first challenges Arjuna’s state of mind. Seeing Arjuna overwhelmed by sorrow and hesitation, Krishna questions how such confusion has arisen at such a decisive moment.
Krishna describes Arjuna’s attitude as unworthy of a noble person (anarya) and warns that such weakness neither leads to honor nor to higher good. As a warrior and leader, Arjuna is expected to act with courage and clarity. Krishna therefore confronts him directly, urging him to rise above this emotional paralysis.
This verse marks the first step in Krishna’s guidance—before explaining deeper spiritual truths, He first addresses the mental weakness preventing Arjuna from acting according to his duty.
This verse highlights the importance of confronting weakness during moments of responsibility. When individuals face critical decisions, emotional confusion or hesitation can undermine their ability to act.
In positions of leadership and public responsibility, avoiding difficult duties out of fear or attachment can lead to loss of credibility and effectiveness. Krishna’s words remind us that clarity, courage, and a sense of duty are essential qualities for responsible action.