Bhagavad Gita 2.7 · BG 2.7
Chapter 2Verse 7
Sankhya Yoga
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः। यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्॥
kārpaṇya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ pṛcchāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ, yac chreyaḥ syān niścitaṁ brūhi tan me śiṣyas te 'haṁ śādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam
Translation
My nature is overcome by weakness and pity, and my mind is confused about what is right. I ask you to tell me clearly what is best for me. I am your student. Teach me, for I have come to you for refuge.
The moment
Arjuna has spent the end of chapter one and the start of chapter two arguing that fighting is wrong. Here he stops arguing, and for the first time he asks Krishna to teach him.
What it means
Arjuna admits he's lost. His usual strength has given way, and he can't tell what's right anymore. So he does the hardest thing for a proud warrior: he asks to be taught.
Going deeper
This verse is why the Gita exists at all. Until now Krishna has been Arjuna's friend and charioteer. Here Arjuna calls himself 'shishya', a student, and the relationship changes.
The teaching only starts once he admits he doesn't know. Up to this point he's been the one telling Krishna what's right.
In your life
Next time you're stuck on a hard decision, notice whether you're asking for advice or asking for agreement. Try saying plainly to someone you trust, 'I don't know what to do here.' It often opens up help that defending your position never would.
Admitting you don't know is where real guidance begins.
Keep reading
11.32
Time ends everything. The only question is how you act while it runs.
2.63
Anger left unchecked slowly clouds the mind. Notice it before it grows.
16.21
Lust, anger, and greed are the three gates that lead a person to ruin. Walk away from them.
3.37
Unfilled wanting, and the anger when it's blocked. That's the enemy, and it's inside.