kimidaṁ yuddhaṁ hetvā mayi sañjaya
“Why this war having been caused, on my side, O Sañjaya?”
Structure
kim idam yuddham hetvā mayi san jaya
tvam (you) san jaya (having won) mayi (for my sake) idam (this) yuddham (battle) hetvā (having fought) āgato (have you come)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kim | kim | indeclinable | — | what |
| idam | idam | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | this |
| yuddham | yuddham | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | war/fight |
| hetva | hetvā | indeclinable | — | for what reason/why |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in me |
| san | san | verb | √san · optative · first | one should make/let |
| jaya | jaya | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | victory |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse marks the beginning of Arjuna's existential crisis, prompting him to question the purpose of war. According to Śaṅkarācārya, this inquiry is rooted in Arjuna's confusion about his true self, which is a reflection of the universal self, Brahman. The war, symbolizing the eternal conflict between good and evil, serves as a backdrop for Arjuna's journey towards self-discovery. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, highlighting that the distinctions between 'I' and 'mine' are mere illusions. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, as Arjuna's questioning reveals his deep-seated desire to understand his true nature, beyond the fleeting identifications with his role as a warrior. Shankara's commentary on BG 2.11, 'na tv evāham jātu naśam', reinforces this idea, underscoring the timelessness and changelessness of the Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, Arjuna's hesitation to engage in battle stems from his innate sense of compassion and reluctance to harm his kin. Rāmānujācārya views this as an opportunity for Krishna to instruct Arjuna on the path of devotion and the nature of the self. According to Rāmānuja, the jīva (individual self) is inherently related to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord), and this relationship is characterized by dependence and surrender. Arjuna's questioning reflects his growing awareness of this relationship and his need for guidance on how to navigate the complexities of his duty as a warrior. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of Bhakti (devotion) in overcoming the limitations of the human condition. This verse highlights the tension between Arjuna's emotional attachment to his family and his duty to fulfill his role as a warrior, setting the stage for Krishna's teachings on the yoga of devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, as it highlights the universal human dilemma of conflicting loyalties and values. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of introspection and self-awareness in navigating life's challenges. Arjuna's question, 'kim idam yuddham', serves as a metaphor for the internal conflicts we all face, as we struggle to reconcile our personal values with our responsibilities to others. According to Vivekānanda, the key to resolving these conflicts lies in cultivating a deeper understanding of our true nature, which is characterized by freedom, joy, and wisdom. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, further develops this idea, highlighting the importance of integrating the principles of yoga into daily life. This verse, with its emphasis on the individual's search for meaning and purpose, offers a powerful reminder of the timeless relevance of the Bhagavad Gītā's teachings.