न हि प्रपश्यामि ममापनुद्याद् यच्छोकमुच्छोषणमिन्द्रियाणाम् | अवाप्य भूमावसपत्नमृद्धं राज्यं सुराणामपि चाधिपत्यम् || 8 || |
|---|
“I see no way to dispel this sorrow that dries up my senses, even if I were to obtain unrivaled and prosperous dominion on earth or lordship over the celestial gods.”
Commentary
Arjuna, overwhelmed by despondency and despair, laments his inability to find a solution for the sorrow engulfing him. He believes his senses are dulled and ineffective due to the deep anguish he feels. Arjuna goes on to say that even if he were to achieve great material success and attain kingship over the entire earth or even become the ruler of celestial beings, it would not bring him any relief from his current state of sorrow. He recognizes that external power, wealth, and position cannot alleviate his inner turmoil or provide true happiness.
Reflecting on the nature of worldly achievements and possessions, the devotee considers that even a bodily kingdom characterized by peace, harmony, and good health would hold little value without the ability to indulge in sensory experiences. The devotee erroneously believes that even a seemingly perfect kingdom, devoid of sensory pleasures, would lack vitality and the capacity for both perception and expression. Reflecting on the nature of worldly achievements and possessions, the devotee considers that even a bodily kingdom characterized by peace, harmony, and good health would hold little value without the ability to indulge in sensory experiences. Thus, the devotee’s present state of mind, clouded by attachment to sensory gratification, is expressed.