In Chapter 2, Sri Krishna does not just offer comfort to Arjuna for his dejected state. In fact, Sri Krishna mocks Arjuna and smiles at him just as a parents smiles at a cranky and silly child. Sri Krishna systematically dismantles Arjuna’s arguments using logic, duty, and eternal truths. This transition marks the shift from Arjuna-Vishada (Arjuna's Grief) to Sankhya Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge).
An important point of consideration is that Sri Krishna does not instruct until Arjuna surrenders to Sri Krishna saying "I am your discipline and I surrender to you. Please instruct me what is best for me". Sri Krishna was probably expecting Arjuna to surrender, so he smiles and dismisses Arjuna with sarcasm "you speak like an expert but mourning for that which is not worthy of grief. The wise does not lament thus".
Sri Krishna then rebuts each of Arjuna’s points:
1. "Killing is a crime/sin for material gain."
Sri Krishna starts with logic and rationality around spirituality and the nature of soul. Sri Krishna explains that Arjuna’s grief is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of life and death. He argues that "killing" is an anatomical impossibility for the soul. The soul (Atman) is eternal. It was never born, and it cannot die. Just as a person changes worn-out clothes for new ones, the soul simply casts off a worn-out body to inhabit a new one. Therefore, grieving for the "death" of his relatives is illogical because their true essence is indestructible.
2. "War will create chaos in society."
Sri Krishna introduces the rationality of one's duty or dharma. While Arjuna fears social collapse, Krishna argues that the refusal to fight a righteous war causes even greater chaos. By refusing to fight against unrighteousness (Adharma), Arjuna would allow evil to set the standard for the world. Leaders set the example. If a great warrior like Arjuna abandons his post, others will follow suit, leading to a complete breakdown of law and moral order. He calls Arjuna to set an example.
3. "Destroying traditions leads to hell."
Sri Krishna shifts the focus from "family traditions" to "Individual Duty" by stating that for a Kshatriya (warrior), there is no higher good than a war fought for justice. Heaven’s gates are opened wide for warriors who get the opportunity to fight in such a battle. Conversely, by abandoning his duty, Arjuna would incur "sin" and lose his reputation. Krishna notes that for a man of honor, infamy and the shame of cowardice are worse than death or any perceived "hell."
4. "We are committing sin for kingly pleasures."
Sri Krishna addresses Arjuna's attachment to "results" (the fear of sin or the desire for pleasure). He assures Arjuna that Sin is not in the act, but in the attachment to the outcome. Krishna introduces the core of Karma Yoga: "Your right is to the work alone, never to its fruits." If Arjuna fights because it is his duty, without desiring victory or fearing defeat, he remains untouched by sin. By detaching himself from the "kingly pleasures," he becomes a "man of steady wisdom" (Sthitaprajna). Arjuna further enquires about the qualities of a sthithaprajna and Sri Krishna provides His perspective.
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