Chapter 2: Sāṅkhya-yoga: – Yoga of Contemplation on SelfVerse 31
स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि ।
धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाच्छ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते ॥
svadharmam-api cāvekṣya
na vikampitum-arhasi
dharmyāddhi yuddhācchreyo’nyat-
kṣatriyasya na vidyate – 2.31
Considering the ethical propriety of your own conduct, you should not vacillate. For a fighter, there is no greater good than a righteous, ethically proper war like this.
Chapter 2: Sāṅkhya-yoga: – Yoga of Contemplation on Self - Verse 31
Ma Gurupriya
Krishna now brings various worldly considerations confirming Arjuna’s need, benefit and obligation to fight. The spiritual call made on the ground of the imperishable Soul is not the least contrary to worldly considerations and compulsions. Both are harmonious.
War is a part of public administration and an undeniable need of lawful rule. Freedom and safety of citizens rest upon police and military. Human tendencies are strangely divergent, and may lead to destruction, if not checked firmly, as happened with Krishna’s clan itself in the end. Rule of law is a must.
Mahabharata war was righteous for Pandavas. For the kshatriyas, there is nothing more noble and rewarding than taking part in a righteous war. Good kshatriyas always prefer to die fighting, not lying in their house. To disregard this call will only bring disorder, says Krishna. What a strong, irrefutable persuasion!
