From Illusion to Realization - What Arjuna Says
The Bhagavad-gītā is a dynamic dialogue between the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His intimate devotee. While Lord Kṛṣṇa provides the supreme answers, the questions and statements posed by Arjuna are equally essential. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that what Arjuna says throughout the text perfectly models the journey of a conditioned soul—moving from initial material bewilderment, through submissive inquiry, and finally arriving at absolute spiritual surrender.
Speaking from Bodily Illusion
At the onset of the Battle of Kurukṣetra, Arjuna's words reflect the common material condition: profound attachment to the physical body. Seeing his grandfather and teacher on the opposing side, Arjuna is paralyzed by grief. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that while Arjuna's reluctance to kill his kinsmen seems highly moral to ordinary men, it is actually based on spiritual ignorance, which Kṛṣṇa immediately condemns.
- Arjuna is saying that "How can I kill my kinsmen? There is my grandfather, there is my teacher, there are my kinsmen." It is not bad. For worldly men this is very nice consideration, that - I am not going to kill my kinsmen.
- He (Arjuna) said that, "Even they usurp my kingdom, I do not wish to kill them." So this affection, this bodily affection, was not very much approved by Krsna. He said that - You are talking like a non-Aryan.
- When Arjuna was speaking - "If I kill my brother, if I kill my grandfather on the other side..." - he was simply thinking on the basis of the bodily concept of life.
- As supreme teacher of the world, Lord Krsna condemns the attitude of Arjuna who said - I do not find any good in this fighting. It will cause perpetual habitation in hell - Such statements by Arjuna were due to ignorance only.
The Pivotal Statement of Surrender
When Arjuna realizes that his friendly arguments are failing to solve his deep perplexity, he makes the most important statement of his life. He abandons his position as Kṛṣṇa's equal and formally surrenders. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Arjuna's declaration—requesting Kṛṣṇa to become his spiritual master—is the absolute prerequisite for receiving true transcendental knowledge.
- When Arjuna saw that friendly talks would not make a solution to his problems, he surrendered unto Krsna, saying, sisyas te 'ham sadhi mam tvam prapannam: "Now I am Your disciple and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me." This is the process.
- Arjuna teaches us submission by giving up his friendly relationship with Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He says, - I have now become Your disciple. Please instruct me.
- When Arjuna became confused, he said, sisyas te 'ham sadhi mam prapannam (Bhagavad-Gita 2.7): "Now I am surrendered unto You (Krsna). Please teach me." Unless you come to that point, there will be no teaching, and there is no use of teaching.
- If one is determined that, "I shall only act according to the advice of my Guru Maharaja," then he's perfect. One has to submit like Arjuna said, sisyas te 'ham sadhi mam prapannam (Bhagavad-Gita 2.7). Otherwise he'll argue.
Inquiring and Rejecting Mechanical Yoga
Throughout the discourse, Arjuna asks brilliant questions to clarify the path of spiritual realization. Notably, when Kṛṣṇa describes the severe physical and mental regulations of aṣṭāṅga-yoga, Arjuna frankly rejects the system. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights Arjuna's honest assessment: the mind is as restless as a hurricane, and a practical man engaged in worldly duties cannot control it through mechanical meditation.
- Arjuna said: O Madhusudana, the system of yoga which you have summarized appears impractical and unendurable to me, for the mind is restless and unsteady. Bhagavad-Gita 6.33 - 1972.
- Arjuna says that controlling this mind is more difficult than stopping the wind from blowing. One can imagine a man stretching out his arms trying to stop a hurricane.
- Krsna advised Arjuna to become a yogi, but Arjuna said that - Krsna, it is not possible for me. Because I am a politician, I am a soldier, I cannot sit down to practice yoga superficially. My mind will be disturbed in political affairs, in state affairs.
- A great personality, Arjuna, belonged to the royal family and was a great warrior and an intimate friend of Krsna's, constantly living with Him, after hearing this process of yoga from Krsna face-to-face, said, - My dear Krsna, it is not possible to follow.
The Ultimate Realization
After hearing the complete philosophy and witnessing the awe-inspiring universal form, Arjuna's illusion is completely eradicated. He does not selectively accept Kṛṣṇa's words; he accepts them in totality. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Arjuna conclusively declares Kṛṣṇa to be the Supreme Absolute Truth, setting the standard for how everyone should understand and accept the Bhagavad-gītā.
- Arjuna said, param brahma param dhama pavitram paramam bhavan: (Bhagavad-Gita 10.12) - You are the Supreme Spirit, the ultimate abode, the purest, the Absolute Truth.
- Arjuna summarized the purpose of the Bhagavad-gita by his realization of Lord Sri Krsna and thus said, "My dear Lord, You are the Supreme Absolute Truth, the Original Person in the eternal form of bliss and knowledge, and this is confirmed by Narada."
- Arjuna said, My dear Krsna, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy, and I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions. Bhagavad-Gita 18.73 - 1972.
- Krsna is speaking as the spiritual master of Arjuna, and Arjuna says, "Whatever You are saying I accept." Read it like that - not: "I like this, so I accept it; this I don't like, and so I reject it." Such reading is useless nonsense.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Arjuna Says. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.