Verse-6
Chapter 2 — Sānkhya Yog
Verse 6
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
na caitadvidmaḥ kataranno garīyo yadvā jayema yadi vā no jayeyuḥ
yāneva hatvā na jijīviṣāmaste'vasthitāḥ pramukhe dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ
🕉 English Translation
📜 Translation
English
We are not aware what is better for us–to fight or not to fight. We also do not know whether we will conquer them in the battle or they will conquer us. After killing those we do not desire to live, the same relatives, the sons of Dhritrashtra are standing before us to contest in the war.
The effect of the second and third verses on Arjun is apparent now. Until now Arjun was one-sided. He was firm on his decision. It is right not to fight. For the first time Arjun is appearing to be in a different state. There is some enlightenment in his inner thoughts. The result of it is this verse. On one hand, I am asserting that I will not fight and on the other hand, Lord Krishna is exhorting to fight; there must be some reason. That is why Arjun says 'Keshav! Which will be better–to fight or not to fight? I am unable to determine. If we engage in a battle whether we will win or they–it is not certain.'
For the Gita sermon, the ground is now becoming softer and favourable. The plough used in the second and third verses is now showing its effect. But not in its full form because the attention is still centred on the sons of Dhritrashtra. Still considering them as relatives the thick concrete of attachment is still in between. But at least some kind of optimistic dilemma has emerged. This dilemma was effective in enabling Arjun to seek refuge in the Lord. Thus, Arjun becoming submissive started speaking.