Chapter 2, Verse 31
Part of 2: Sānkhya Yog — सांख्ययोगस्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि। धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाछ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते॥
Transliteration
swa-dharmam api chāvekṣhya na vikampitum arhasi dharmyāddhi yuddhāch chhreyo ’nyat kṣhatriyasya na vidyate
Meaning
Further, having regard to your duty, you should not waver, for there is nothing higher for a Kshatriya than a righteous war.
Word-by-word meaning
swa-dharmam — one’s duty in accordance with the Vedasapi — alsocha — andavekṣhya — consideringna — notvikampitum — to waverarhasi — shoulddharmyāt — for righteousnesshi — indeedyuddhāt — than fightingśhreyaḥ — betteranyat — anotherkṣhatriyasya — of a warriorna — notvidyate — exists
Commentary
Lord Krishna now gives to Arjuna wordly reasons for fighting. Up to this time? He talked to Arjuna on the immortality of the Self and gave him philosophical reasons. Now He says to Arjuna? O Arjuna Fighting is a Kshatriyas own duty. You ought not to swerve from that duty. To a Kshatriyta (one born in the warrior or ruling class) nothing is more welcome than a righteous war. A warrior should fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 31?▼
Further, having regard to your duty, you should not waver, for there is nothing higher for a Kshatriya than a righteous war.
Which chapter and verse of the Bhagavad Gita is this?▼
This is verse 31 of Chapter 2 (Sānkhya Yog — Transcendental Knowledge) of the Bhagavad Gita, a scripture of 18 chapters and 700 verses spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.