Chapter 2, Verse 6
न चैतद्विद्म: कतरन्नो गरीयो यद्वा जयेम यदि वा नो जयेयु: | यानेव हत्वा न जिजीविषाम स्तेऽवस्थिता: प्रमुखे धार्तराष्ट्रा: ॥6॥
na chaitad vidmaḥ kataran no garīyo yad vā jayema yadi vā no jayeyuḥ | yān eva hatvā na jijīviṣhāmas te ’vasthitāḥ pramukhe dhārtarāṣhṭrāḥ
"We do not know which is better for us—to conquer them or to be conquered by them. The very sons of Dhritarashtra, after killing whom we would not even wish to live, are standing before us on the battlefield."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.6 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.6 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna is experiencing a profound crisis of 'Viveka' (discernment). He is unable to determine whether victory or defeat is preferable, as both outcomes lead to sorrow. This verse highlights the paradox of worldly success: often, the 'prize' we seek comes at a cost that makes life feel meaningless. It also touches upon the presence of elders like Bheeshma and Drona, who, despite their personal righteousness, stood with the Kauravas due to their perceived social obligations (arthakām), creating a complex moral knot for Arjuna.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 2.6?
We do not know which is better for us—to conquer them or to be conquered by them. The very sons of Dhritarashtra, after killing whom we would not even wish to live, are standing before us on the battlefield.