Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 5

English Translation

Rather than killing the noble-minded elders, it is better in this world to live even on alms. But by killing the elders we shall only be enjoying here the pleasures of wealth and desireable things drenched in blood.

Detailed Commentary

SYNCHRONIZED TRANSLATION: [It appears from this verse that the words spoken by Bhagavan in the previous verses are now affecting Arjuna. Arjuna feels that slaying venerable elders like Bhishma and Drona is not righteous. When Bhagavan permitted war, Arjuna doubted that perhaps his understanding was mistaken. Therefore, Arjuna now speaks not with his former agitation, but rather in a somewhat subdued tone.] 'Gurunahatva…bhaikshyamapiha loke' — Arjuna, presenting his arguments, says that if I do not fight with revered elders like Bhishma and Drona, then Duryodhana alone will not fight with me. If there is no war, I will not attain the kingdom, which will cause me sorrow. My life will become difficult. It is possible that *bhaikshya*, begging for alms, though forbidden for a Kshatriya, might become my means of livelihood. But, I would rather accept this difficult *bhaikshya* than slay my Gurujanas. 'Iha loke' implies that even though begging for alms would bring me dishonor in this world, and people would condemn me, it is still better than slaying my revered Gurus. 'Api' indicates that both slaying my Gurujanas and begging for alms are forbidden for me, but among these, slaying my Gurujanas seems more improper. 'Hatvarthakamanstu…rudhirapradigdhan' — Arjuna, keeping Bhagavan’s words in mind, says that if I follow your command and wage war, then I will only attain enjoyments (*bhogas*) stained with the blood of Gurujanas and born of covetous desires (*arthakama*). From those enjoyments, I will find neither liberation nor peace. A doubt might arise: Since Gurujanas like Bhishma and Drona were associated with the Kauravas due to wealth, what objection would there be to considering the term 'arthakaman' as an adjective for 'Gurun'? The answer is that Pitamaha Bhishma, Acharya Drona, and others were not covetous of wealth. They were sustained by Duryodhana's food, and therefore, they did not abandon Duryodhana's side. Secondly, Arjuna has referred to Bhishma, Drona, and others as 'Mahanubhavan' (noble-hearted ones). Such high-souled individuals cannot be greedy for wealth. Therefore, 'arthakaman' can be considered an adjective for 'bhogan' (enjoyments). Special point: Bhagavan had told Arjuna to abandon his cowardice and stand up for war for his own welfare. But Arjuna thought that Bhagavan was commanding war for the sake of enjoyment (*bhoga*). Earlier, Arjuna's decision was that he would not fight. When he was inspired to fight by Bhagavan’s words, Arjuna felt that the war would result in enjoyments created from the blood of Gurujanas. Thus, Arjuna sees only fault in war. When evil comes in the guise of good, it is difficult to recognize. Just as Sita could not recognize Ravana, or Hanuman could not recognize Kalnemi, because they appeared in the garb of renunciates. Arjuna felt that to fight was evil and not to fight was good. Evil has come into Arjuna's mind in the form of *dharma*, influenced by his delusion (*moha*), which is why it is taking Bhagavan time to dispel it. Connection: Bhagavan’s words are creating doubt in Arjuna's mind, making him even more hesitant, and he says--