Chapter 2: Sāṅkhya-yoga: – Yoga of Contemplation on SelfVerse 10

Sanjaya says: Lord Krishna responds to Arjuna smilingly. Sanjaya’s words are pregnant with import. Krishna was happy that here now he has the opportunity to crown his dear Arjuna with the ultimate spiritual glory!

Arjuna, in great distress, has laid his weapons down, expressing his resolve not to fight. But in all this, Krishna could only find a very meaningful note to fill in what his friend gravely lacked, and smile at it heartily!

Arjuna had been close to Krishna for long. Krishna had gone out of the way to meet Arjuna’s needs, displeasing even his brother Balarama and others. But never had Arjuna enquired about śreyas (felicity), although Krishna was waiting for him to do so all along.

Now as the charioteer, when he (Krishna) steered matters discreetly, Arjuna realizes his lack, and yearns to redress it instantly. In confessing his grave inner hollowness as well as seeking to fill it earnestly, Arjuna stands as an eternal model for all!