Action - 03 - 02

The Shloka

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व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे ।

तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम् ॥

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vyāmiśreṇeva vākyena buddhiṁ mohayasi iva me ।

tadekaṁ vada niścitya yena śreyo’ham āpnuyām ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This shloka highlights Arjuna’s earnest desire for clear, practical guidance from Krishna. It is significant because it leads to Krishna’s elaborate explanation of Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action) as the most suitable path for Arjuna in his current situation. It addresses the common human dilemma of choosing between different spiritual paths and the need for a clear direction to avoid confusion and achieve spiritual progress. Krishna’s subsequent teaching in response to this question forms a core part of the Bhagavad Gita’s practical philosophy.

By seemingly ambiguous words, You are bewildering my intellect. Therefore, tell me decisively that one path by which I may attain the highest good.

Arjuna expresses his confusion to Krishna, stating that Krishna’s seemingly mixed or contradictory statements regarding the paths of knowledge (renunciation) and action are perplexing his understanding. He requests Krishna to clearly and decisively instruct him on a single path that will lead him to the highest spiritual welfare.

In this powerful verse, Arjuna, feeling overwhelmed by the philosophical depth and apparent duality in Krishna’s earlier teachings, voices his confusion directly. He perceives Krishna’s words as ‘mixed’ or ‘ambiguous’ (vyāmiśreṇa), suggesting that they blend different perspectives or seem to advocate for both the path of renunciation (Sannyasa) and the path of action (Karma Yoga) without a clear preference for him. This perceived ambiguity is ‘bewildering his intellect’ (buddhiṁ mohayasīva me), meaning it is clouding his ability to make a firm decision about his duty and spiritual practice. Arjuna is a man of action, a warrior, and he needs a direct, actionable instruction. Therefore, he implores Krishna to ‘tell me decisively that one (path)’ (tadekaṁ vada niścitya), emphasizing his need for an unequivocal command that points to a singular, clear course of action. His ultimate aim is ‘by which I may attain the highest good’ (yena śreyo’hamāpnuyām), indicating his desire for spiritual progress and ultimate liberation, not just temporary worldly success. This shloka beautifully captures the human yearning for clarity and certainty in spiritual pursuit when faced with complex philosophical choices.

Sentence - 1

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व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे ।

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Meaning

By seemingly mixed or ambiguous words, You are bewildering my intellect.

Meaning of Words

व्यामिश्रेण	vyāmiśreṇa
by mixed, by ambiguous This refers to statements that appear to be intertwined, contradictory, or not straightforward, leading to confusion rather than clarity. Arjuna feels Krishna’s words are not clear-cut but are instead a mix of different ideas.
इव	iva
as if, like A particle used to express comparison, likeness, or probability. Here, it suggests that Arjuna perceives Krishna’s words as if they are confusing him.
वाक्येन	vākyena
by words, by statements Refers to the speech, utterances, or instructions given by Krishna. Arjuna is referring to Krishna’s previous teachings that seem to advocate for different paths.
बुद्धिं	buddhiṁ
intellect, understanding The faculty of discernment, judgment, and decision-making; the higher mind that discriminates and understands. Arjuna feels his capacity to understand and decide is being clouded.
मोहयसि	mohayasi
you are bewildering, you are confusing To cause delusion, confusion, or perplexity. Arjuna perceives that Krishna’s seemingly conflicting statements are leading him into a state of bewilderment.
मे	me	my, of me

Sentence - 2

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तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम् ॥

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Meaning

Therefore, tell me decisively that one (path) by which I may attain the highest good.

Meaning of Words

तत्	tat
therefore, that Used here to indicate a conclusion drawn from the previous statement, meaning ‘because of that’ or ‘therefore’.
एकं	ekaṁ
one, single Arjuna is seeking a singular, unambiguous instruction, not a philosophical discussion that seems to present multiple, equally valid but seemingly different paths.
वद	vada
tell, speak An imperative verb, meaning ‘speak’ or ‘instruct’. Arjuna is directly requesting Krishna for guidance.
निश्चित्य	niścitya
having ascertained, having decided with certainty Implies that Krishna should make a clear, firm, and definite statement, removing all doubt and ambiguity, based on His ultimate wisdom.
येन	yena	by which, through which
श्रेयः	śreyaḥ
the highest good, ultimate welfare, spiritual benefit Refers to that which is ultimately beneficial, leading to spiritual liberation, lasting happiness, and true well-being, as opposed to ‘preya’ (that which is merely pleasant or immediate gratification).
अहं	ahaṁ	I
आप्नुयाम्	āpnuyām
may attain, may achieve Arjuna expresses his desire to follow a path that will directly lead him to his ultimate goal of spiritual realization and liberation.

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