Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 35

English Translation

The great chariot-riders will think of you as having desisted from the fight out of fear; and you will into disgrace before them to whom you had been estimable.

Detailed Commentary

।।2.35।। 'The great charioteers will think that you have withdrawn from battle out of fear' – You might believe that you are stepping away from conflict solely for your own welfare. However, if that were truly the case, and you considered war a sin, then you would have devoted yourself to solitary prayer and remembrance (bhajan-smaran) from the outset, rather than engaging in battle. But you did not remain in solitude; you came to the battlefield. If you now retreat from the fight, the great Maharathis will conclude that Arjuna has withdrawn merely out of fear of death in battle. Had he truly considered Dharma, he would not have recoiled, for warfare is the inherent Dharma of a Kshatriya. Thus, people will assume he is retreating solely from the fear of dying. 'And you, who were highly esteemed by them, will become insignificant' – In the eyes of eminent Maharathis like Bhishma, Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Shalya, and others, you are already held in high regard. They hold the firm conviction that Arjuna alone is the famed hero in combat. He has vanquished countless Daityas, Devas, Gandharvas, and others in warfare. Should you now withdraw from battle, your standing will diminish before these Maharathis; in other words, they will deem you insignificant.