Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yoga – Yoga of Contemplation on Self: Verse 35
भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यन्ते त्वां महारथा: ।
येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम् ॥
bhayād-raṇād-uparataṃ maṃsyante tvāṃ mahārathā:
yeṣāṃ ca tvaṃ bahumato bhūtvā yāsyasi lāghavam – 2.35
The great chariot fighters will regard you as having retreated from war out of fear. Having held you in great esteem so far, they would talk very lightly about you.
Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yoga – Yoga of Contemplation on Self - Verse 35
Ma Gurupriya
Krishna has more to say about the adverse effects of relinquishing the war. His statement is again solely based on social and secular considerations.
Maharathis, mighty chariot warriors, who hold Arjuna in high esteem, are looking forward to his distinguished performance in Kurukshetra, where he has to contend many of his own elders. The presence of these elders makes the opponents formidable in every way. They all must be wondering how their Arjuna would be facing them and what all would transpire in the battles, before Arjuna excels them and wins.
In case Arjuna withdraws from the war, Maharathis would think that the retreat is only due to fear. When they speak in exceedingly belittling terms, how will Arjuna’s heroic mind take to it? With forethought, avoid such a plight, warns Krishna. How excellently Krishna analyses the adverse prospects!
