2.8 — The courage to become a learner

Sanskrit · Teaching film · Everyday practice

Speaker: Arjuna, addressing Krishna.

The shloka

न हि प्रपश्यामि ममापनुद्याद् -
यच्छोकमुच्छोषणमिन्द्रियाणाम् ।
अवाप्य भूमावसपत्‍नमृद्धं
राज्यं सुराणामपि चाधिपत्यम् ॥ ८ ॥

Brief meaning

Arjuna sees no worldly achievement that could remove the grief exhausting him, even an unrivalled kingdom or authority among the gods.

In the conversation

The relationship changes when Arjuna asks to be taught. His admission of uncertainty does not instantly settle his resistance: he still says he will not fight. Sanjaya then brings us back to the two armies as Krishna prepares to answer. Guidance begins inside an unfinished human situation.

Everyday reflection

Think of a difficult family decision where you have repeatedly argued for your preferred answer. A different conversation starts when you say what you do not know. Ask a trustworthy person to help examine your assumptions, rather than simply supporting your side. Tell them what matters to you, what you fear and which facts are uncertain. Listening does not mean surrendering your judgement to anyone who sounds confident. It means becoming willing to learn before insisting that the matter is settled.

Consider today: Identify a concern that achievement alone cannot solve.