Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 9

English Translation

Sanjaya said Having spoken thus to Hrsikesa (Krsna), Gudakesa (Arjuna), the afflictor of foes, verily became silent, telling Govinda, 'I shall not fight.' fight.'

Detailed Commentary

Commentary on 2.9: "Having thus spoken to Hrishikesha... (he became silent)." Arjuna, having pondered his own position and that of the Lord, perceived that by engaging in battle, he would at most attain a kingdom, honor, and worldly fame, but the sorrow, anxiety, and suffering within his heart would not be dispelled. Therefore, Arjuna felt that refraining from battle was the correct course of action. Although Arjuna respects the Lord's words and wishes to obey them, the idea of fighting the war was not settling properly within him. Thus, Arjuna clearly expresses his innermost thoughts, declaring, 'I will not fight'. Once he had plainly stated his mind to the Lord, there was nothing further left to say; therefore, he became silent. Connection: Sanjaya now explains in the next Shloka what transpired after Arjuna unequivocally refused to engage in battle.