Ch-2|Meaning of Shlokas 4&5

Meaning of Ślokas 4 & 5

At this stage,Arjuna has understood the upadeśa-sāra (essence of the teaching) given by Bhagavān Śrī Krishna to some extent.However,since he is still deeply affected by grief and emotional attachment,he continues to ask similar questions—wondering why he should engage in war against his own gurus and relatives.

It is important to note that not everyone knows Śrī Krishna as intimately as Arjuna does,and yet even Arjuna is struggling to grasp Krishna’s perspective.He fails to understand that Śrī Krishna is viewing this war as a necessary path to uproot prevailing adharma and re-establish dharma.Arjuna is still clouded by moha (delusion) born out of emotional ties.

Arjuna addresses Śrī Krishna as Madhusūdana and Ariṣūdana—names that highlight Krishna’s role as a destroyer of evil and protector of the righteous.Even in his sorrow,Arjuna recognizes Krishna’s warrior aspect and compassion.

Śloka 4:

“O Madhusūdana,slayer of demons! How can I attack Bhīṣma and Droṇācārya with arrows in battle? They are worthy of my deepest reverence. Bhīṣma is my grandsire, and Droṇa is the one who gifted me the very knowledge of archery I possess today.”

Śloka 5:

“O Krishna,rather than killing my revered gurus like Droṇa—who are wise and spiritually elevated—I feel it is better to abandon my desire for kingdom and wealth.I would rather live a life of begging than enjoy pleasures tainted with the blood of those who are dear to me.”

When overwhelmed by grief,we often speak emotionally,without engaging our intellect.Arjuna, too, is speaking in such a state—conflicted,emotional and deluded.

Here,Arjuna speaks from a place of moral confusion.He believes renouncing desire (kāma) and embracing poverty is nobler than committing the sin of slaying his teachers.

However,the dharma of a Kṣatriya is not to beg or withdraw from his duties.His role is to protect the righteous,uphold justice,and create a society where dharma can thrive. Śrī Krishna is preparing Arjuna to rise above personal emotion and step into this higher role.

Let us continue this journey of understanding the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gītā in the coming episodes.