Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 6

English Translation

We do not know this as well as to which is the better for us, (and) whether we shall win, or whether they shall coner us. Those very sons of Dhrtarastra, by killing whom we do not wish to live, stand in confrontation.

Detailed Commentary

2.6. Commentary: 'Na Chaitad Vidmah Kataran No Gariyaha' -- I am unable to decide between fighting or not fighting. From Your perspective, engaging in battle is superior, but from my perspective, slaying revered elders (Gurus) is a sin, and therefore, not fighting is superior. When both sides are considered, I cannot discern which is more beneficial for me. Thus, in the aforementioned words, Bhagavan's perspective and Arjuna's own perspective have become equally weighted within Arjuna. 'Yadvā Jayema Yadivā No Jayeyuḥ' -- If battle is engaged according to Your command, whether we will conquer them or they (Duryodhana and others) will conquer us, is unknown to us. Here, Arjuna does not lack faith in his own strength, but rather lacks faith in the future, for no one knows what the future holds. 'Yaneva Hatvā Na Jijīviṣāmaḥ' -- We do not even desire to live after slaying our kinsmen; the thought of enjoying pleasures, or wielding power after attaining a kingdom, is far removed! For if our kinsmen are slain, what purpose would our life serve? Having destroyed our own family with our hands, we would only be consumed by anxiety and sorrow! We do not wish to live merely to experience anxiety, sorrow, and the pain of separation. 'Te'vashthitāḥ Pramukhe Dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ' -- Those very relatives of Dhritarashtra, whom we do not wish to slay and live, stand before us. All of Dhritarashtra's relatives are indeed our own kinsmen. Accursed be our life if we were to slay these kinsmen! Connection: Unable to decide his duty, Arjuna now fervently prays to Bhagavan with anguish.