स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि।धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाछ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते ॥

Teachers usually read this idea across several verses together, one shared reflection covers the whole unit.

• 2.31Further, having regard to your duty, you should not waver, for there is nothing higher for a Kshatriya than a righteous war.

• 2.32Happy are the Kshatriyas, O Arjuna! who are called to fight in such a battle that comes of its own accord as an open door to heaven.
• 2.33But if you will not fight this righteous war, then having abandoned your own duty and reputation, you will incur sin.
• 2.34People will also recount your everlasting dishonor; and for one who has been honored, dishonor is worse than death.
• 2.35The great chariot-warriors will think that you have withdrawn from the battle out of fear, and you will be held in low esteem by those who have held you in high regard.
• 2.36Your enemies, scoffing at your power, will speak many abusive words—what could be more painful than this?
• 2.37Slain, you will obtain heaven; victorious, you will enjoy the earth; therefore, stand up, O son of Kunti, resolved to fight.
• 2.38Having made pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat equal, engage in battle for the sake of battle; thus, you shall not incur sin.

swa-dharmam

one’s duty in accordance with the Vedas

api

also

cha

and

avekṣhya

considering

na

not

vikampitum

to waver

arhasi

should

dharmyāt

for righteousness

hi

indeed

yuddhāt

than fighting

śhreyaḥ

better

anyat

another

kṣhatriyasya

of a warrior

vidyate

exists