Bhagavad Geeta Chapter 2 Verses 31 – 40

SANKHYA YOGA

Sanjaya recounts the condition of Arjuna, who was agitated due to delusion of attachment, fear and confusion.

Lord Krishna rebukes Arjuna for his dejection and diffidence, and urges him to fight the war of righteousness. After failing to convince Sri Krishna through his seemingly wise thoughts, Arjuna realizes his helplessness and surrenders himself completely to the Lord, seeking His guidance to get over the conflicts existing in his mind.

Lord Krishna takes pity on Arjuna and proceeds to enlighten Arjuna by various means, offering profound knowledge and practical techniques.

31.
Swadharmam api chaavekshya na vikampitum arhasi;
Dharmyaaddhi yuddhaacchreyo’nyat kshatriyasya na vidyate.

31.
Further, having regard to your own duty, you should not waver, for there is nothing higher for a Kshatriya than a righteous war.

32.
Yadricchayaa chopapannam swargadwaaram apaavritam;
Sukhinah kshatriyaah paartha labhante yuddham eedrisham.

32.
Happy are the Kshatriyas, Oh Arjuna, who are called upon to fight in such a battle that comes of itself as an open door to heaven!

33.
Atha chettwam imam dharmyam samgraamam na karishyasi;
Tatah swadharmam keertim cha hitwaa paapam avaapsyasi.

33.
But, if you will not fight in this righteous war, then, having abandoned your duty and fame, you shall incur sin.

34.
Akeertim chaapi bhootaani kathayishyanti te’vyayaam;
Sambhaavitasya chaakeertir maranaad atirichyate.

34.
People, too, will recount your everlasting dishonour; and to one who has been honoured, dishonour is worse than death.

35. Bhayaad ranaad uparatam mamsyante twaam mahaarathaah; Yeshaam cha twam bahumato bhootwaa yaasyasi laaghavam.

35. The great warriors will think that you have withdrawn from the battle through fear; and you will be lightly held by them who have thought much of thee.

36.
Avaachyavaadaamshcha bahoon vadishyanti tavaahitaah;
Nindantastava saamarthyam tato duhkhataram nu kim.

36.
Your enemies also, cavilling at your power, will speak many abusive words. What is more painful than this!

37.
Hato vaa praapsyasi swargam jitwaa vaa bhokshyase maheem;
Tasmaad uttishtha kaunteya yuddhaaya kritanishchayah.

37.
Slain, you will obtain heaven; victorious, you will enjoy the earth; therefore, stand up, Oh son of Kunti, resolved to fight!

38.
Sukhaduhkhe same kritwaa laabhaalaabhau jayaajayau;
Tato yuddhaaya yujyaswa naivam paapamavaapsyasi.

38.
Having made pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat the same, you engage in battle for the sake of battle; thus you shall not incur sin.

39.
Eshaa te’bhihitaa saankhye buddhir yoge twimaam shrinu;
Buddhyaa yukto yayaa paartha karma bandham prahaasyasi.

39.
This which has been taught to you, is wisdom concerning Sankhya. Now listen to wisdom concerning Yoga, endowed with which, Oh Arjuna, you shall cast off the bonds of action!

40.
Nehaabhikramanaasho’sti pratyavaayo na vidyate;
Swalpam apyasya dharmasya traayate mahato bhayaat.

40.
In this there is no loss of effort, nor is there any harm (the production of contrary results or transgression). Even a little of this knowledge (even a little practice of this Yoga) protects one from great fear.