Verse 5.1

Verse 5.1: Arjuna Spake:“Renunciation of actions, O Krishna, and yet again, (even-tempered) application (to them), thou dost extol: whichever of the twain is better, that one alone declare unto me clearly and decisively.” (1)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

Then Arjuna said to Lord Krishna, “How puzzling is all this your counsel? Had you taught me only one sure course of action I could have grasped it in my mind. First, you advised in detail that all actions should be renounced; then in one breath you are extolling with great zeal, the superior wisdom of the path of action. On account of your misleading words we, being ignorant, are at our wit’s end to grasp your preaching as clearly as we desire. What need is there for any one to tell you, Oh Lord, that if you wish to preach the one essential truth, then you should like-wise be definite or unambiguous. For this reason, I implored you, at the very outset, O God, that this supreme truth, should not be merely hinted at in a brief way. Be it as it may; and now at least say clearly and decisively which of the ways, renunciation of action or adherence to it, is superior and sure of realising the light which will last and at the same time be clear and easy to follow. Not only does a ride in a palanquin not disturb the sleep, but also quickly furnishes a long stretch of road-journey: in the same manner the way should be comfortable and easy. To hear Arjuna talk in this way, Lord Krishna was both pleased and amused. For, said he “Hear, it will be as you say”. See, Oh hearers, this is as it should be. The child indeed gets even the moon as a toy if it wants it, when it is blessed with the fortune of Kamadhenu (Heavenly cow yielding all desires) as his mother!! Remember also that when God Shankar became propitious he gave the very ocean of milk (kṣīrābdhi) to Upamanyu to satisfy his desire for rice and milk. How then could Dhanurdhara fail to be placed at the very centre of all happiness, when the Lord of Lakshmi, the original fount of all mercy and grace, was pleased with him? What wonder is there in it? With a master like Lord Krishna at his service, he (Arjuna) should of course ask for whatever he wished for. Therefore, Arjuna did ask for knowledge and Lord Krishna gave it in great joy. Now I shall narrate what Lord Krishna said.