कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 2.7
पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसंमूढचेताः।
यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे
शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्॥
Word-by-Word Meaning
- कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः – with nature overpowered by the taint of pity
- पृच्छामि – I ask
- त्वां – You
- धर्मसंमूढचेताः – with a mind confused about dharma
- यच्छ्रेयः – what is beneficial
- स्यात् – would be
- निश्चितं – decisively
- ब्रूहि – tell
- तत् – that
- मे – to me
- शिष्यस्तेऽहं – I am Your disciple
- शाधि – instruct
- मां – me
- त्वां प्रपन्नम् – who have taken refuge in You
“My heart is oppressed with pity; and my mind confused as to what my duty is. Therefore, my Lord, tell me what is best for my spiritual welfare, for I am Thy disciple. Please direct me, I pray.”
English Translation by Shri Purohit Swami
Commentary by Swami Ramsukhdas Ji
Swami Ramsukhdas Ji provides a profound analysis of this verse, revealing several crucial aspects of Arjuna’s transformation:
1. The State of Complete Surrender
Swami Ji explains that when Arjuna says “कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः”, it shows:
- Though not fully convinced about withdrawing from battle
- He saw no other way to avoid sin than abstaining from war
- He wanted to withdraw, seeing it as virtuous
- He didn’t recognize his withdrawal as cowardice
- His warrior nature (क्षात्र-स्वभाव) was being overshadowed by misplaced compassion
2. The Impact of Krishna’s Words
Swami Ji reveals that Krishna’s calling Arjuna’s withdrawal cowardice created a profound effect:
- Arjuna began questioning his earlier certainty
- He recognized this might be contrary to his Kshatriya nature
- His warrior spirit didn’t include meekness or retreat
- A new understanding began to dawn
3. The Dharmic Confusion
Through “धर्मसंमूढचेताः”, Swami Ji illuminates:
- One perspective showed fighting as duty (dharma)
- Another view suggested killing elders as sin (adharma)
- Looking at family members, fighting seemed wrong
- Considering Kshatriya dharma, fighting appeared right
- His intellect became paralyzed in determining the right course
4. The Four Levels of Surrender
Swami Ji points out that Arjuna expresses four distinct aspects in this verse:
- Questioning about dharma (कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः)
- Seeking his welfare (यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं)
- Becoming a disciple (शिष्यस्तेऽहं)
- Taking refuge (त्वां प्रपन्नम्)
5. The Nature of True Discipleship
Swami Ji explains that when Arjuna says “शिष्यस्तेऽहं”, it shows:
- The transformation from seeing Krishna as a charioteer to seeing Him as a Guru
- The realization that welfare questions are asked of a Guru, not a charioteer
- The dissolution of his earlier commanding attitude
- The beginning of true discipleship
Practical Applications for Modern Life
1. Handling Moral Dilemmas
- Recognizing when emotions cloud judgment
- Understanding the difference between apparent and real dharma
- Learning to seek guidance when confused
- Balancing emotions with duty
2. The Art of Seeking Guidance
- Acknowledging our limitations
- Being honest about our confusion
- Maintaining humility in seeking answers
- Understanding the proper relationship between teacher and student
Conclusion: The Path to Divine Guidance
Swami Ramsukhdas Ji explains that this verse represents a crucial transition in Arjuna’s consciousness. Though not yet completely surrendered (as evidenced by his later statement “न योत्स्ये” – “I will not fight”), this verse marks the beginning of his journey from confusion to clarity.
The progression from questioning to becoming a disciple shows how spiritual wisdom dawns when we:
- Recognize our limitations
- Acknowledge our confusion
- Seek proper guidance
- Begin to surrender our ego
This verse teaches us that true spiritual progress begins when we honestly acknowledge our inability to decide through mere intellectual understanding. It is precisely at this point, when we recognize our limitations and seek higher guidance, that we become ready to receive divine wisdom.
As Swami Ji points out, this is not yet complete surrender, as shown by Krishna’s later instruction “मामेकं शरणं व्रज” (18.66) – “Surrender unto Me alone.” However, it represents the crucial first step where the ego begins to dissolve and the heart opens to divine guidance.
