The Intentional Structure of Thought as Depicted in the Second Chapter of the Bhagavad-Gita

Abstract

In this paper an attempt has been made to analyze and evaluate the verses 2.11 to 2.30 of Bhagavad-Gita which are taken to be arguments for immortality of the soul. Arjuna was in the middle of the battlefield facing the armies and in that critical situation he refuses to participate in the war. From verse II.11 Kṛṣṇa's discussion with Arjuna started because Kṛṣṇa seeing Arjuna in such a situation reproved him and said that Arjuna's feeling of dejection at such a critical moment is not befitting him. Kṛṣṇa's discussion set forth with Arjuna is regarding the structure of thinking. But both ancient and modern interpreters and commentators think that in these verses the author is trying to prove immortality of the soul. This is not a correct way of looking at what Kṛṣṇa is saying. Instead Kṛṣṇa is trying to explain the thought process that is to be followed in thinking to perform action that time brings. Because to think correctly is to act correctly. Our attempt here is to examine the verses and find out what Veda Vyasa actually meantby the verses.