सञ्जय उवाच ।
एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेश: परन्तप ।
न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दमुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह ॥ २.९ ॥
Summary Translation:
Sanjaya said: Having spoken thus, Arjuna, the chastiser of enemies, told Krishna, Govinda, I shall not fight, and fell silent.
In this verse, Sanjaya continues his narration to Dhritarashtra, marking the moment where Arjuna formally retreats into silence. Arjuna is called 'Gudakesha' (the conqueror of sleep) and 'Parantapa' (the scorcher of enemies), titles that highlight his greatness as a warrior, making his current state of 'Tushnim' (silence) even more dramatic. He addresses Krishna as 'Hrishikesha' (the master of the senses) and 'Govinda' (the pleaser of the senses/the cowherd). Arjuna’s final words are 'na yotsye'—I shall not fight. This is the ultimate 'Full Stop' to Arjuna's resistance. He has spoken his heart, expressed his grief, admitted his confusion, surrendered as a disciple, and now he has nothing more to say. He is physically and emotionally exhausted, sitting on the chariot, waiting for a response.
The detailed analysis of 'Tushnim Babhuva' (became silent) is highly significant. Silence is often the most profound part of a spiritual dialogue. Arjuna has realized that his speech was just a series of excuses born of ignorance. By becoming silent, he is finally making room for the Divine Voice. In our practical lives, we often talk ourselves into more confusion; true wisdom begins only when we stop talking and start listening. Arjuna’s 'Na yotsye' (I will not fight) is his final 'Ego-Assertion' before the ego is dissolved by Krishna’s teaching. It is a moment of 'Total Passive Resistance.' Sanjaya’s reportage is meant to show Dhritarashtra that the war has effectively stopped on Arjuna’s side. Arjuna is no longer a soldier; he is a seeker. This verse marks the 'Silence of the Soul' before the 'Revelation of the Absolute.' Arjuna’s addressing Krishna as 'Govinda' is a cry for comfort. He wants the 'Govinda' who pleases the senses to ease his pain, but Krishna is about to act as the 'Hrishikesha' who masters and directs the senses toward 'Dharma.' This verse is the dramatic 'Pause' in the Gita, where the tension between human will and divine command is at its maximum. Arjuna has retired from the battle, but Krishna is about to recruit him into the cosmic battle of righteousness.
Philosophically, Shloka 2.9 explores the concept of 'Mauna' (silence) as a prerequisite for 'Shravana' (listening to truth). , 'Vaikhari' (spoken speech) is the lowest form of communication. For the higher 'Para' (transcendental) knowledge to descend, the 'Vaikhari' must cease. Arjuna’s silence is 'A-paurusheya'—he has reached the limit of human thought. Philosophically, this verse represents the 'Crisis of Volition.' Arjuna’s will ('Na yotsye') is paralyzed. In 'Advaita' Vedanta, this is the 'Avastha' (state) where the 'Jiva' realizes that 'Kartritva' (the sense of being the doer) is a source of suffering. , Arjuna is trying to renounce 'Action' (Karma) without renouncing 'Ahamkara' (Ego).
The framework of 'Gudakesha' (Conqueror of Sleep) is used here ironically. Arjuna has conquered physical sleep, but he is still in 'Maya-nidra' (the sleep of delusion). , Krishna, as 'Hrishikesha,' is the lord of the 'Indriyas' (senses) that Arjuna said were drying up in the previous verse. Philosophically, this shloka highlights the 'Doctrine of Surrender' through 'Silence.' One cannot argue with the Absolute. , 'Govinda' refers to the one who can be known through the 'Vedas' (Go = Vedas, Vid = to know). Arjuna is calling upon the 'Govinda' of his childhood, but he is standing before the 'Jagad-Guru' (World Teacher). This verse is the 'Nirvana' (extinction) of Arjuna's old persona. He has declared his 'Inability to Act' ('Na yotsye'). , this is the 'End of the Human' and the 'Beginning of the Divine.' From a religious perspective, this silence is the 'Sacred Space' required for 'Gita-Jnana.' It teaches that until the mind's constant 'Chit-Chat' stops, the voice of 'Krishna' remains unheard. Arjuna’s silence is not the silence of peace, but the silence of 'Total Defeat,' which is the most fertile ground for 'Divine Grace'.