Death is certain for the born, and rebirth is inevitable for the dead. Therefore, one should not lament over the inevitable.
Death is certain for those who are born, and rebirth is certain for the dead. This inevitability is part of life’s natural cycle. Krishna advises Arjuna not to lament over something that is beyond human control. By highlighting the certainty of death, Krishna aims to liberate Arjuna from his grief and fear, encouraging acceptance and detachment.
All beings are unmanifest before birth, manifest during life, and unmanifest again after death. Why, then, lament over such transitions?
All beings are unmanifest before birth and unmanifest again after death, becoming manifest only in between. Krishna highlights the fleeting nature of physical existence. This teaching emphasizes the transient nature of life’s physical form, urging Arjuna to see beyond it and focus on the eternal, unchanging nature of the soul.
Some see the soul as astonishing, some describe it as astonishing, and some hear of it as astonishing, while others, even after hearing, do not understand it at all.
Some perceive the soul as wondrous, others describe it as wondrous, while others hear of it as wondrous, and even after hearing, many do not understand it at all. Krishna acknowledges the mysterious nature of the soul, emphasizing that it is beyond ordinary understanding. This statement is meant to inspire Arjuna to seek deeper wisdom.
The soul within all living entities is eternal and indestructible. Therefore, Arjuna, you should not grieve for any living being.
Krishna reiterates that the soul within all living entities is eternal and indestructible. He advises Arjuna not to grieve for any being. This teaching aims to provide Arjuna with a broader perspective on life and death, emphasizing the futility of lamenting over physical destruction when the true self remains untouched and eternal.
Considering your own duty as a warrior, you should not waver. For a Kshatriya, there is no greater duty than a righteous war.
Krishna reminds Arjuna of his duty as a Kshatriya (warrior), which is to engage in battle to uphold righteousness. Refusing to fight would mean abandoning his duty and would result in sin. Krishna’s message is clear: a warrior should uphold his duty without attachment to victory or defeat, maintaining focus on the larger moral and social order.
O Arjuna, happy are the Kshatriyas who get such an opportunity for war, which comes of its own accord, opening the doors to heaven.
Krishna points out that for a warrior like Arjuna, engaging in a righteous battle is a rare opportunity. Such a battle opens the gates of heaven and brings honor and glory to a warrior. This teaching is meant to motivate Arjuna by highlighting the spiritual benefits of fulfilling his duty, thereby reducing his reluctance and hesitation.
But if you refuse to engage in this righteous war, abandoning your duty, you will incur sin and lose your reputation.
Krishna warns Arjuna that if he refuses to fight this righteous war, he will incur sin for neglecting his duty and lose his reputation as a brave warrior. By abandoning his responsibility, Arjuna would be seen as cowardly and dishonorable. Krishna’s argument is aimed at rekindling Arjuna’s sense of duty and honor.