Bhagavad Gita 2.5

 

Bhagavad Gita 2.5 – The Dignity of Duty Over Dishonor

Verse 2.5 (Sanskrit & Translation)

सदृशं चेदस्मि कर्तव्यं
श्रेयोऽन्यत्किं नु संमतम्।
गुरूनहत्वा हि महानुभावान्
श्रेयो भोक्तुं भैक्ष्यमपीह लोके॥

Translation:

"It is better to live in this world by begging than to kill the noble teachers; if I kill them, all my worldly enjoyments will be tainted with blood."

"इस संसार में भिक्षा मांगकर जीवन व्यतीत करना श्रेष्ठ गुरुओं को मारने से अच्छा है; यदि मैं उन्हें मार डालूंगा तो मेरे सभी सांसारिक भोग रक्त से सने हो जाएंगे।"

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Context of Bhagavad Gita 2.5

This verse is spoken by Arjuna in the second chapter, where he is overwhelmed by moral and emotional conflict before the battle of Kurukshetra. Arjuna, a great warrior, is hesitant to fight against his own teachers, elders, and loved ones, including Bhishma and Dronacharya. His dilemma is not just about war but about duty (Dharma) versus personal emotions.

In this verse, Arjuna expresses that he would rather beg for a living than kill his revered elders, as he sees such an act as dishonorable. He believes that any victory or wealth gained from such an act would be tainted with sin and sorrow.

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Key Themes of the Verse

1. Moral Dilemma & Emotional Turmoil

   • Arjuna is torn between his duty as a warrior (Kshatriya Dharma) and his personal emotions.
   • He sees his teachers as fatherly figures and feels unworthy of raising his weapons against them.

2. The Question of Honor & Dishonor

   • Arjuna believes that dishonor and killing revered elders would make life unbearable.
   • The verse reflects his internal struggle between righteousness and attachment.

3. Material Wealth vs. Spiritual Integrity

   • He suggests that living by begging (a life of renunciation) is better than enjoying wealth earned by immoral actions.
   • This shows his inclination towards detachment, a key theme in the Bhagavad Gita.

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Philosophical Significance

1. Duty vs. Personal Attachments

   • The Bhagavad Gita teaches that duty (Dharma) must be followed without emotional bias.
   • Krishna later explains that Arjuna's hesitation is a weakness of heart and not true wisdom.

2. Detachment & True Renunciation

   • Renunciation does not mean avoiding action but performing duty without selfish attachment.
   • Arjuna thinks abandoning war is the higher path, but Krishna teaches selfless action (Karma Yoga) as the true path.

3. Perceived Sin vs. Ultimate Truth

   • Arjuna sees the battle as sinful violence, but Krishna reveals that acting in accordance with Dharma is not sinful.
   • The true sin is neglecting one's duty out of fear or attachment.

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Lessons for Life

1. Facing Difficult Decisions with Wisdom

   • Life often presents tough choices, and emotions can cloud judgment.
   • This verse teaches us to seek clarity and wisdom rather than act impulsively.

2. Duty & Detachment Go Hand-in-Hand

   • Responsibilities should be performed without attachment to personal loss or gain.
   • This principle applies in modern life—whether in career, family, or personal challenges.

3. Understanding True Honor

• True honor is in fulfilling one's role with integrity, not in avoiding duty due to emotions.
• Krishna later explains that escaping from responsibility is not nobility but weakness.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 2.5 highlights Arjuna’s inner conflict and provides deep insight into human struggles with duty, emotions, and morality. Though Arjuna initially believes that abandoning war is the right path, Krishna later corrects him, emphasizing Karma Yoga (selfless action). This verse reminds us that life’s most difficult decisions should be guided by wisdom and a sense of duty rather than fear or attachment.

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