Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.7
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(Arjuna said)
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः । यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥७॥
kārpaṇyadoṣopahatasvabhāvaḥ pṛcchāmi tvāṃ dharmasammūḍhacetāḥ | yacchreyaḥ syānniścitaṃ brūhi tanme śiṣyaste'haṃ śādhi māṃ tvāṃ prapannam ||7||
Complete Shloka Translation
My disposition is overcome by helplessness, and my mind is confused about dharma. Tell me decisively what is truly good. I am your disciple; instruct me, who has sought refuge in you.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कार्पण्य-दोष-उपहत-स्वभावः | kārpaṇya-doṣa-upahata-svabhāvaḥ | nature stricken by the fault of faint-heartedness |
| पृच्छामि | pṛcchāmi | I ask / inquire of |
| त्वाम् | tvām | You |
| धर्म-संमूढ-चेताः | dharma-saṃmūḍha-cetāḥ | mind bewildered about righteous duty |
| यत् | yat | which |
| श्रेयः | śreyaḥ | the highest spiritual good |
| स्यात् | syāt | may be |
| निश्चितम् | niścitam | definitively / conclusively |
| ब्रूहि | brūhi | tell / impart |
| तत् | tat | that |
| मे | me | unto me |
| शिष्यः | śiṣyaḥ | disciple |
| ते | te | Your |
| अहम् | aham | I am |
| शाधि | śādhi | instruct / guide |
| माम् | mām | me |
| त्वां प्रपन्नम् | tvāṃ prapannam | surrendered unto You |
nature stricken by the fault of faint-heartedness
I ask / inquire of
You
mind bewildered about righteous duty
which
the highest spiritual good
may be
definitively / conclusively
tell / impart
that
unto me
disciple
Your
I am
instruct / guide
me
surrendered unto You
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Arjuna changes from arguing a position to seeking instruction. Shreyas concerns the deeper good, while the disciple's stance makes the coming dialogue a learning relationship.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Acknowledging uncertainty makes a serious request for guidance possible."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What changes when you sincerely ask to learn rather than defend a position?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse when facing identity crisis or fear of failure: distinguish the unchanging inner self from transient life situations, and act with full dedication without anxiety over the final outcome.