कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावःपृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसंमूढचेताः ।
यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्िचतं ब्रूहि तन्मेशिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥
यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्िचतं ब्रूहि तन्मेशिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
कायरतारूपदोषसे तिरस्कृत स्वभाववाला और धर्मके विषयमें मोहित अन्तःकरणवाला मैं आपसे पूछता हूँ कि जो निश्चित कल्याण करनेवाली हो, वह मेरे लिये कहिये । मैं आपका शिष्य हूँ । आपके शरण हुए मुझे शिक्षा दीजिये ॥
English
My nature is overwhelmed by weakness, and my mind is confused about duty. I ask you: tell me with certainty what is best for me. I am your student; instruct me, for I have taken refuge in you.
What this verse means
Arjuna admits he is overwhelmed and confused about what is truly right. He asks Krishna to clearly tell him the best course, as a student seeking guidance.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna's bow has fallen and his certainty has collapsed. Surrounded by the armies of his own kin, he stops arguing with himself and turns to Krishna, asking for clear instruction because he can no longer tell what is right.
Why this verse still matters
You are staring at a message you do not want to send, knowing it will change everything. Instead of forcing confidence, you finally admit: I need the clearest counsel I can find.
The takeaway
It is a relief to admit confusion and ask for guidance instead of pretending to know.
Word-by-word translation
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः (nature overcome by weakness) / पृच्छामि (I ask) / त्वाम् (you) / धर्मसंमूढचेताः (mind confused about duty) / यत् (which) / श्रेयः (the highest good) / स्यात् (may be) / निश्चितम् (certainly) / ब्रूहि (tell) / तत् (that) / मे (to me) / शिष्यः (student) / ते (your) / अहम् (I) / शाधि (instruct) / माम् (me) / त्वाम् (you) / प्रपन्नम् (one who has taken refuge)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga — The Yoga of Knowledge, which contains 72 verses.
Explore related themes: arjuna vishada (14 verses), sharanagati (13 verses)