My nature is smitten by the defect of miserableness; I ask you, of mind confused regarding duty. Tell me certainly what is best for me. I am your disciple; instruct me, who has sought refuge in you

The crucial verse. Arjuna recognizes his condition: kārpaṇya-doṣa-upahata-svabhāvaḥ — his svabhāva (own nature, constitution) is upahata (struck, wounded) by the doṣa (defect) of kārpaṇya (miserableness, meanness, paucity). It is not cowardice but mental narrowness.

The question is clear: yat śreyaḥ syāt (whatever may be śreyas) — not preya (immediately pleasing) but the supreme good in the long term. Niścitam brūhi (tell it determinately, without ambiguity).

The moment of surrender: śiṣyaḥ te aham (your disciple am I), śādhi mām (instruct me, correct me, tame), prapannam (who has gone to you, who seeks refuge). This is the śaraṇāgati (surrender) that enables the teaching. Kṛṣṇa can now speak as guru.