Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 2 · Sankhya Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 2.7 कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः
श्लोक 2.7
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः
पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः ।
यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे
शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥
kārpaṇyadoṣopahatasvabhāvaḥ
pṛcchāmi tvāṃ dharmasammūḍhacetāḥ |
yacchreyaḥ syānniścitaṃ brūhi tanme
śiṣyaste'haṃ śādhi māṃ tvāṃ prapannam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
दीनता के दोष से मेरा स्वभाव दब गया है और धर्म के विषय में मेरी बुद्धि भ्रमित है। मैं आपसे पूछता हूँ, जो निश्चित रूप से कल्याणकारी हो वह मुझे बताइए। मैं आपका शिष्य हूँ, आपकी शरण में हूँ, मुझे उपदेश दीजिए।
Meaning in English
My nature is overpowered by weakness and pity, and my mind is confused about what is right. I ask you: tell me for certain what is best for me. I am your disciple; I have taken refuge in you. Guide me.
Bhagavad Gita 2.7 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कार्पण्यदोष | kārpaṇya-doṣa | the fault of faint-heartedness |
| उपहतस्वभावः | upahata-svabhāvaḥ | my nature overpowered |
| पृच्छामि | pṛcchāmi | I ask |
| त्वाम् | tvām | you |
| धर्मसम्मूढचेताः | dharma-sammūḍha-cetāḥ | my mind confused about dharma |
| यत् | yat | what |
| श्रेयः | śreyaḥ | truly good |
| स्यात् | syāt | would be |
| निश्चितम् | niścitam | decisively |
| ब्रूहि | brūhi | tell |
| तत् मे | tat me | that to me |
| शिष्यः ते अहम् | śiṣyaḥ te aham | I am your disciple |
| शाधि | śādhi | teach |
| माम् | mām | me |
| त्वाम् प्रपन्नम् | tvām prapannam | who have taken refuge in you |
Explanation
Overcome by grief and confusion, Arjuna stops arguing and asks Krishna to tell him decisively what is truly good (śreyas). With the words "I am your disciple; teach me, who have taken refuge in you", the conversation changes: Krishna is no longer only a charioteer and friend but a teacher, and the teaching of the Gita begins.
Arjuna names his condition honestly — kārpaṇya, a narrow, faint-hearted state in which his true nature is clouded. The verse is often quoted as the model for approaching a guru: admit your confusion, ask sincerely for what is truly good rather than merely pleasant, and be willing to be taught.
भावार्थ
दीनता के दोष से मेरा स्वभाव दब गया है और धर्म के विषय में मेरा मन भ्रमित है। जो निश्चित रूप से कल्याणकारी हो, वह मुझे बताइए। मैं आपका शिष्य हूँ, आपकी शरण में आया हूँ — मुझे उपदेश दीजिए।
Living it today
When you are truly stuck, say so honestly and ask someone wiser for what is right — not just for what is comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 2.7?
Overcome by grief and confusion, Arjuna stops arguing and asks Krishna to tell him decisively what is truly good (śreyas). With the words "I am your disciple; teach me, who have taken refuge in you", the conversation changes: Krishna is no longer only a charioteer and friend but a teacher, and the teaching of the Gita begins.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 2.7?
Arjuna speaks this verse, in Chapter 2 (Sankhya Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 2.7 in daily life?
When you are truly stuck, say so honestly and ask someone wiser for what is right — not just for what is comfortable.
Reflected on verse 2.7?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.