Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 33
atha chet tvam imaṁ dharmyaṁ saṅgrāmaṁ na kariṣhyasi
tataḥ sva-dharmaṁ kīrtiṁ cha hitvā pāpam avāpsyasi
Simple Meaning
O Arjuna!
If you do not engage in this righteous war, you will abandon your own duty (swadharma) and honor (kīrti) and will incur sin.
Detailed Explanation
In this shloka, Lord Krishna clarifies to Arjuna that war is not merely an exercise of physical power but an opportunity for a Kshatriya to fulfill his duty (swadharma).
- Importance of a Righteous War:
This war is not just an external battle; it is a means to protect dharma (righteousness) and establish truth.
- Fulfilling One’s Duty:
A Kshatriya’s duty is to defend dharma. If Arjuna refrains from this opportunity, he fails to perform his responsibility.
- Honor and Reputation:
By performing his duty, Arjuna preserves his honor and reputation. Retreating from this responsibility would result in the loss of his esteem.
- Consequences of Avoiding Duty:
If Arjuna turns away from this righteous war, he will not only violate his duty but also become a participant in sin.
Key Points
- Duty Must Be Fulfilled: Avoiding a righteous war is equivalent to abandoning one’s own dharma.
- Honor and Reputation: Performing the right action enhances the warrior’s prestige.
- Avoiding Sin: Failing to perform one’s duty results in sin.
- Dharma, Courage, and Responsibility: Engaging in war is not merely about strength; it is a courageous action in the service of righteousness.
Profound Spiritual Meaning
- Life sometimes requires difficult decisions, but remaining steadfast on the path of duty leads to spiritual and social progress.
- When circumstances align to support dharma, retreating results not only in missed opportunity but also in spiritual and moral loss.
- This shloka teaches that avoiding one’s duty leads to sin, while acting courageously and wisely brings both liberation (moksha) and honor.
Word-by-Word Meaning
- Atha chet – If then
- Idam dharmyam sangramam – This righteous war
- Na karishyasi – You do not perform
- Tataḥ svadharmam kīrtiṁ ca hitvā – Abandoning your duty and honor
- Pāpam avāpsyasi – You will incur sin
Message of the Shloka
The path of dharma and duty is rarely easy, but retreating from it leads to sin and defeat.
When an opportunity arises to uphold righteousness, it must be accepted with courage and wisdom.
Fulfilling one’s duty is the source of honor, reputation, and spiritual progress.
