Chapter 2: Sāṅkhya-yoga: – Yoga of Contemplation on SelfVerse 36

Krishna climaxes his secular and worldly arguments by citing the instance of those who already dislike Arjuna and refuse to concede his skills and excellences. They do not recognize his status as an unparalleled war hero.

It is the way of the world that no one will be liked by all, nor will all dislike one. The world is always an admixture of opposites.

Krishna reminds his friend: “Those who dislike you, will find a timely opportunity to blame you with vengeance. It is unthinkable as to what all they will speak and spread, deriding and condemning your worth and status. Their words will be blasphemous for the gentry.

“To come to know that people are indulging in such blasphemy is too unsettling and tormenting. For an honourable person, is there anything worse than this? Why give room for any such unnecessary gossip?”