Krishna begins to speak, seeming to smile in anticipation of what is about to unfold.
"I will not fight," Arjuna said, and fell silent. Then, Krishna began to speak as if smiling. This does not necessarily mean that he was mocking the person who is sad. In the commentary, it is explained that he seemed to be laughing inwardly, seeing the inconsistency in Arjuna's actions.
You came to the center of the armies in order to fight, but now you are saying that you will not fight. You sought teachings, but before hearing an answer, you declare a conclusion. Krishna foresaw all this confusion and began to speak. The location is still between the two armies. While stopping the battle, teachings about life and death, self, and duty will be imparted from here.
Japanese Translation from the Gita Press Edition - Chapter 2, Section 10: "Krishna begins to speak as if smiling."
When Arjuna was silent, what did Bhagavan Shree Krishna do?
Anticipating this question, Sanjaya said as follows:
Sanskrit original text
तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत ।
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः ॥ १० ॥Romanization
tam uvāca hṛṣīkeśaḥ prahasann iva bhārata |
senayor ubhayor madhye viṣīdantam idaṃ vacaḥ || 10 ||"At that time, O Dritharashtra, as if smiling, Lord Krishna spoke the following words to Arjuna, who was grieving amidst the two armies." (10)
Here, by saying "the one who is grieving in the midst of the two armies," Sanjaya indirectly points out this fact. Just a short time ago, Arjuna had been feeling combative and challenging, asking Bhagavan Shri Krishna to place his chariot between the two armies. However, now, seeing his relatives within the opposing armies, he was greatly disturbed and agitated by delusion. Bhagavan Shri Krishna spoke to Arjuna, who was caught in this grief.
The expression "Shri Krishna spoke as if to laugh at him," indicates that Sanjaya is showing what the Lord said and with what kind of spirit it was said.
The intention was to reveal the inconsistency in Arjuna's actions. Arjuna, primarily when asked to advance the chariot between the two armies, showed a fighting stance. However, now he is overwhelmed by feelings of sadness that are the opposite of that.
Furthermore, despite primarily seeking refuge and praying for teachings and guidance, he immediately declared, "I will not fight," without waiting for the Lord's advice.
How inconsistent were Arjuna's actions. Therefore, the Lord inwardly smiled at this inconsistency and spoke about it.