Chapter 2, The Book of Doctrines Summary and Analysis

Arjuna expresses his grief and refuses to engage the enemy. He is countered by his companion, Krishna. Krishna espouses a warrior's creed. However, Krishna quickly makes it clear that the mandatory viewpoint from which to face the circumstances before his friend is metaphysical and at the same time, follows regulations governed by his social role.

Arjuna is a Kshatriya, and is called a prince by Krishna. Since this is his role in society, he is duty bound to fight in the war. Krishna reminds his friend how fortunate this circumstance really is, and declares that for a man to abandon his social duties is to sin.

Krishna explains that there is no reason for him to grieve because of the nature of the eternal reality that exists without the boundaries of time. No...