Bhagavadgita 2.p3
The Bhagavadgîtâ (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 8) 2.p3
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2.p3
Arguna said:
How, O destroyer of Madhu! shall I encounter with arrows in the battle Bhîshma and Drona--both, O destroyer of enemies! entitled to reverence? Not killing (my) preceptors--(men) of great glory--it is better to live even on alms in this world. But killing them, though they are avaricious of worldly goods, I should only enjoy blood-tainted enjoyments. Nor do we know which of the two is better for us-whether that we should vanquish them, or that they should vanquish us. Even those, whom having killed, we do not wish to live--even those sons of Dhritarâshtra stand (arrayed) against us. With a heart contaminated by the taint of helplessness, with a mind confounded about my duty, I ask you. Tell me what is assuredly good for me. I am your disciple; instruct me, who have thrown myself on your (indulgence). For I do not perceive what is to dispel that grief which will dry up my organs after I shall have obtained a prosperous kingdom on earth without a foe, or even the sovereignty of the gods.
2.p3.n1
The commentators say that 'heart' here signifies the dispositions which are stated in chapter XVIII infra, p. 126. The feeling. of 'helplessness' is incompatible with what is there stated as the proper disposition for a Kshatriya.
2.p3.n2
I. e. by the heat of vexation; the meaning is, 'which will cause constant vexation of spirit.'
2.p3.n3
I. e. if the means employed are the sinful acts referred to.
Linked texts (1)
- Bhagavadgītā — Vyāsa, Sanskrit