TWO WAYS TO UNDERSTAND

Arjuna has asked what he should do. He is in a crisis of the self. An identity crisis. Who am I and what should I do?

I am a soldier but is that who I really am? Or is that a part I am playing for just this lifetime? How important is it that I play that part if it is for this lifetime only?

While he is trying to understand deep philosophical truths he is in the middle of a battlefield.

Krishna points out that there is another way to realize the self. One way is by philosophical speculation and another way is by action as an offering to the Supreme Person.

We will see that this second path is the path recommended by Lord Krishna. Action in devotional service. But first there will be a solid platform of understanding established.

"The Blessed Lord said: O sinless Arjuna, I have already explained that there are two classes of men who realize the Self. Some are inclined to understand Him by empirical, philosophical speculation, and others are inclined to know Him by devotional work." Bhagavad Gita As It Is 3.3

Link to the text: https://prabhupadabooks.com/bg/3/3