Chapter 2, Verse 31
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
swa-dharmam—one’s duty in accordance with the Vedas; api—also; cha—and; avekṣhya—considering; na—not; vikampitum—to waver; arhasi—should; dharmyāt—for righteousness; hi—indeed; yuddhāt—than fighting; śhreyaḥ—better; anyat—another; kṣhatriyasya—of a warrior; na—not; vidyate—exists
English translation
Further, having regard to your duty, you should not waver, for there is nothing higher for a Kshatriya than a righteous war.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.31
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.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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