The great warriors who hold you in high esteem will think that you have withdrawn from the battle out of fear, and you will lose your valor in their eyes.
Krishna highlights that the great warriors who currently respect Arjuna will see him as cowardly if he retreats. His reputation will be tarnished, and he will be considered insignificant. This appeal to Arjuna’s pride and reputation serves to remind him of the value of respect in society and the need to fulfill his warrior duties.
Your enemies will speak many unkind and insulting words, slandering your ability. What could be more painful than this?
Krishna cautions Arjuna that his enemies will mock him with unkind words and insult his abilities. The humiliation from their scorn would be worse than facing them in battle. This statement is meant to evoke a sense of responsibility and to motivate Arjuna to fight, rather than bear the pain of being ridiculed by his opponents.
If you are killed, you will attain heaven; if you win, you will enjoy the earth. Therefore, arise, O son of Kunti, and fight with determination.
Krishna assures Arjuna that regardless of the outcome—victory or defeat—he will benefit. If he dies, he will attain heaven, and if he wins, he will enjoy the earth. Either way, he gains something valuable. This argument is designed to remove Arjuna’s fear of failure and encourage him to embrace the battle with full determination.
Treating pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, engage in battle for the sake of duty. By doing so, you will not incur sin.
Krishna advises Arjuna to approach the battle without attachment to success or failure, gain or loss, pleasure or pain. Such an attitude, focused on performing one’s duty without concern for the outcome, will lead to liberation from sin. This teaching introduces the concept of Nishkama Karma, or action without desire for results.
I have described the knowledge of Sankhya; now listen to the knowledge of Yoga, which frees one from the bondage of actions.
Krishna explains that the knowledge imparted thus far is based on Sankhya philosophy (analytical understanding), but now he will speak about Karma Yoga (the path of action). By understanding and applying this wisdom, one can free oneself from the bondage of actions. This serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
In this path, no effort is wasted, and no gain is ever reversed. Even a little practice protects one from great fear.
Krishna reassures Arjuna that no effort on this path goes to waste. Even a small amount of practice protects one from great fear and ensures spiritual progress. This teaching is meant to encourage perseverance, as the benefits of spiritual practice accumulate over time, offering protection and guidance on the journey of self-realization.
Those who are resolute have a single focus, but the minds of the irresolute are many-branched and endless.
Krishna highlights that those who are resolute have a single-pointed focus on spiritual goals, while those who lack determination have a mind distracted by many desires. This contrast emphasizes the importance of concentration and inner clarity, advocating for Arjuna to cultivate unwavering focus in order to attain true understanding and wisdom.