INTRODUCTION
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In Vedānta, the first principle is Śravaṇa—Integrated Listening; the second principle is Manana— Intranalyzing, meaning analyzing the truth for the sake of internalizing it not for rejecting it; and the third principle is Nididhyāsana—Living and radiating the truth!
Right listening means allowing the words to enter your inner space automatically; letting them cognize, without you constantly interfering with your incompletions, is Listening.
Arjuna was distraught with pity and despair. His pity was for his opposition that consisted of his svajanam, kinsmen, elders, teachers, relatives and friends. He despaired at the thought of what would happen if he did have to kill them. Kṛṣṇa listened to him carefully, completely.
Kṛṣṇa wanted to give Arjuna time to open his mind, heart and being to Him, Arjuna's friend, guide and master, so that His answers would penetrate Arjuna's very being. Kṛṣṇa asks Arjuna directly, 'How did such impurities, such incompletions come upon you? They are not for a man like you. They will not lead you to higher planes but only defame you.' Kṛṣṇa addresses Arjuna's deep fear and powerlessness straightaway without any philosophy, and asks him to give up his foolish weakness and get up and fight—tyaktvottiṣṭha parantapa. He does not offer any consolation, just a straightforward scolding to awaken him!
