Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 37

English Translation

Either by being killed you will attain heaven, or by winning you will enjoy the earth. Therefore, O Arjuna, rise up with determination for fighting.

Detailed Commentary

।।2.37।। Explanation – Regarding 'killed, you will attain Svarga; victorious, you will enjoy the earth': In the sixth verse of this very chapter, Arjuna had stated that 'we do not know whether we shall conquer them or they will conquer us.' The Lord here clarifies this very doubt of Arjuna by saying that if you are slain in battle, you will go to Svarga, and if victorious, you will enjoy sovereignty over the earth. Thus, both situations are beneficial for you. This means that by engaging in battle, you gain a dual advantage, and by not doing so, you incur loss. Therefore, you should engage in battle. Regarding 'Therefore, arise, O Kaunteya, with resolve for battle': Here, the address 'Kaunteya' implies that when I went to the Kauravas with a proposal for peace, Mother Kunti had sent this very message for you: 'Engage in battle.' Therefore, you should not retreat from battle; rather, having resolved to fight, stand firm. Arjuna's decision was not to fight, while the Lord commanded battle in the third verse of this very chapter. This caused doubt in Arjuna's mind as to whether fighting was right or not. Therefore, the Lord here states that you should make a decision and harbor no doubt in it. Here, the Lord's intent is that one should never abandon one's duty in any situation, but rather fulfill it with enthusiasm and readiness. In the fulfillment of one's duty lies humanity's true essence.