Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yoga – Yoga of Contemplation on Self: Verse 33
अथ चेत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि ।
तत: स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि ॥
atha cet-tvam-imaṃ dharmyaṃ saṅgrāmaṃ na kariṣyasi
tata: svadharmaṃ kīrtiṃ ca hitvā pāpam-avāpsyasi – 2.33
If you will not fight this dharmic (righteous) war, then you will be incurring sin, as it will mean disregarding your own duty and fame.
Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yoga – Yoga of Contemplation on Self - Verse 33
Ma Gurupriya
Krishna adds what would be the outcome if Arjuna did not fight the war, instead left it altogether and escaped disreputably.
Any instruction becomes effective only when the advantage and reward for its compliance are spelt forth. Simultaneously the consequences of non-compliance as well must be made clear. Both together persuade the mind effectively!
The outcome for not heeding the call of war is extremely threatening, warns Krishna. War is only instrumental. The actual focus is Arjuna’s mind.
The question is more of forsaking svadharma, Arjuna’s own inborn duty. His widespread repute would also be at stake. Both together would lead him to incalculable sin, meaning calamitous consequence. It will affect Arjuna and his team, as also the people in general, who have great regard for Arjuna. Should he not consider all this and arrive at the right decision?
