Geethartha Chintane-121: Difference Between Sleep and Unconsciousness

Arjuna’s experience was sorrow, but wasn’t Krishna addressing delusion (Moha) while providing answers? Are the question and answer unrelated? Not at all—delusion (Moha) itself is sorrow. Delusion is akin to unconsciousness. There is a difference between sleep and unconsciousness: sleep is bliss, while unconsciousness is a state of sorrow. Krishna tells Arjuna, “You are merely in a state of sorrow. There is no knowledge in that state.”

Knowledge accompanied by sorrow is a different matter. If sorrow is at 100%, it indicates a descent into unconsciousness—a state of pure grief. Those who are aware do not descend into unconsciousness. It is true that they may experience some sorrow, but it does not overwhelm them. Does this mean the wise feel no sorrow? Not at all—it means they do not succumb to delusion. The wise are not purely sorrowful.

Even when sorrow affects the wise, they do not abandon their duties. They are not mechanical beings—they too have emotions—but they do not let their feelings spiral out of control. In old age, the wise may experience sorrow, but it does not reach the level of despair. For example, the wise may feel regret for not achieving something significant, while a tamasic person might grieve over missing a meal.

State