atha mohād raṇe na ca vikāraḥ kṛtaḥ svena svena tad-apākaroiti || 42 ||
“But due to delusion, he does not act properly in the battle and thus commits a great sin.”
Structure
atha mohāt raṇe na ca vikāraḥ kṛtaḥ svena svena tad apākaroiti
atha (now) mohāt (out of delusion) raṇe (in the battle) svena svena (by his own) na ca (and not) vikāraḥ (perversity) kṛtaḥ (is done) tad (that) apākaroiti (he counteracts)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| mohāt | mohāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from delusion |
| raṇe | raṇe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the battle |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| vikāraḥ | vikāraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | perversion, change |
| kṛtaḥ | kṛtaḥ | verb | √kṛ · past participle · third | was made |
| svena | svena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by himself |
| svena | svena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by himself (second occurrence) |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| apākaroiti | apākaroiti | verb | √apākṛ · present · third | he does away with |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya highlights the importance of self-control and wisdom in battle. He notes that Arjuna's delusion (moha) is a result of his identification with the body and his failure to understand the true nature of the self (ātman). This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is ultimately one with the ultimate reality (brahman). Śaṅkarācārya argues that when one acts with a sense of doership (kartṛtva), they become bound by the consequences of their actions. In contrast, the wise person (jñānī) acts with a sense of detachment, knowing that they are not the true doer. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating self-awareness and wisdom in order to overcome delusion and attain liberation. As Śaṅkarācārya notes, the self (ātman) is untouched by actions, and it is only through understanding this truth that one can achieve true freedom.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) and self-surrender (prapatti) in overcoming delusion (moha). He notes that Arjuna's confusion is a result of his failure to recognize the lordship of Krishna, who is the ultimate controller of all actions. This verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the lord), where the jīva is completely dependent on Īśvara for guidance and protection. Rāmānujācārya argues that when one surrenders to the will of the lord, they are freed from the bondage of karma and attain a state of liberation (mokṣa). He notes that this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a sense of dependence on the lord, recognizing that all actions are ultimately controlled by him. By surrendering to the lord's will, one can overcome delusion and attain a state of peace and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the universal and practical application of this verse. He notes that the concept of delusion (moha) is not limited to the battlefield, but is a common experience in everyday life. He argues that when we act with a sense of ego and attachment, we become bound by the consequences of our actions. In contrast, when we act with a sense of detachment and understanding, we are freed from the cycle of karma. Vivekānanda notes that this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating self-awareness and wisdom in order to overcome delusion and attain a state of freedom. He emphasizes that this is not a mystical or otherworldly concept, but a practical and universal principle that can be applied in everyday life. As he notes, 'the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.' This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and self-awareness in overcoming the challenges of life.