Shloka 10
Sankhya Yoga — Sankhya Yoga
तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत । सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः ॥ २.१० ॥
tam uvāca hṛṣīkeśaḥ prahasann iva bhārata | senayor ubhayor madhye viṣīdantam idaṃ vacaḥ || 2.10 ||
Hrishikesha, as though smiling, spoke these words to Arjuna, who was grieving, in the midst of the two armies, O Bharata.
Hrishikesha, as if smiling, spoke these words to the grieving Arjuna in the midst of the two armies.
Hṛṣīkeśa addressed him, ‘as though smiling,’ O Bhārata, speaking this to the despondent one between the two forces.
‘Prahāsan iva’ is variously translated as ‘smiling’ or ‘with a faint smile,’ often interpreted as compassionate composure or pedagogical confidence rather than mockery. The setting ‘between the two armies’ is frequently read symbolically as a space between opposing impulses.
FAQs
The ‘as if smiling’ detail suggests emotional regulation and reassurance, modeling calm presence in the face of another’s distress.
The verse signals a shift from lament to insight: Krishna’s poised response introduces teachings that will reframe identity and duty beyond immediate emotion.
It is the narrative hinge where Krishna begins to speak, marking the start of the philosophical discourse proper.
It highlights the value of calm mentorship: a composed guide can help someone reinterpret a crisis without escalating fear or shame.