Chapter 3, Verse 2 (Bhagavad Gita 3.2)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे। तदेकं वद निश्िचत्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम्
Transliteration
vyāmiśhreṇeva vākyena buddhiṁ mohayasīva me tad ekaṁ vada niśhchitya yena śhreyo ’ham āpnuyām
Word Meanings
vyāmiśhreṇa iva—by your apparently ambiguous; vākyena—words; buddhim—intellect; mohayasi—I am getting bewildered; iva—as it were; me—my; tat—therefore; ekam—one; vada—please tell; niśhchitya—decisively; yena—by which; śhreyaḥ—the highest good; aham—I; āpnuyām—may attain
Translation
You seem to confuse my understanding with these apparently conflicting words; therefore, tell me decisively which single path will lead me to the ultimate good.
Meaning & Commentary
Arjuna’s confusion mirrors the human dilemma of facing contradictory life philosophies—the path of contemplation versus the path of action. This verse teaches that when faced with overwhelming intellectual or spiritual complexity, it is vital to seek clarity rather than remain paralyzed by doubt. True wisdom begins when the seeker recognizes their own confusion and demands a singular, actionable purpose. It reminds us that spiritual growth requires moving from the duality of conflicting ideas toward a unified commitment to one's duty. Ultimately, it highlights that the seeker must find a path that integrates their highest understanding with their daily responsibilities.