Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yoga – Yoga of Contemplation on Self / Verse 34

Krishna equally emphasizes the dark side of life, especially if Arjuna escapes from the battlefield.

Krishna points: “Such timidity, reluctance and fear will become a subject for the whole society to talk about. Arjuna, do not think the news of your abandoning the war, if resorted to, will remain restricted to the fighters here. It will gain widespread derision, and all without exception will be blaming you in one voice.

“There is a flair in people. Many may refuse to acknowledge one’s greatness and fame. But they cherish his blame or disrepute. Thus many will rejoice in discussing your blemishes.

This is the way of the world. Do not fail to understand it in time.

“Imagine how would you feel then! For anyone widely acclaimed, to fall a victim to such an eventuality would be verily intolerable. It would be worse than death. And what would be the redress then? Rather than repenting later, be wise now itself to act with discretion.”