हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्ग जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम् ।
तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः ॥ ३७ ॥
hato vā prāpsyasi swargaṁ jitvā vā bhokṣhyase mahīm
tasmād uttiṣhṭha kaunteya yuddhāya kṛita-niśhchayaḥ
यदि तुम इस धर्मयुद्ध में मृत्यु को प्राप्त करते हो, तो तुम्हें स्वर्ग की प्राप्ति होगी। यदि तुम विजयी हुए, तो विश्व पर शासन करोगे। इसलिए, हे अर्जुन, दृढ़ संकल्प के साथ उठो और युद्ध के लिए स्वयं को तैयार करो।
If you die in this righteous war, you will attain heaven. If you emerge victorious, you will rule over the world. Therefore, arise, Arjuna, be determined and prepare yourself for battle.
In Bhagavad Gita 2.37, Lord Krishna presents Arjuna with a powerful perspective on his dilemma regarding whether to engage in the battle of Kurukshetra. Krishna states: "If you fight, you will either be slain on the battlefield and go to the celestial abodes, or you will gain victory and enjoy the kingdom on earth. Therefore arise with determination, O son of Kunti, and be prepared to fight."
This verse comes at a crucial moment in the dialogue. Arjuna, overwhelmed by the prospect of fighting against his own family members and teachers, had expressed deep confusion about his duty (2.6). Krishna has been systematically addressing Arjuna's concerns since verse 2.31, and here he provides a clear, practical assessment of the situation.
Krishna's logic is straightforward yet profound: if Arjuna fights and dies honorably in battle, he will attain svarga (the heavenly realms), which is considered a reward for warriors who fall while fulfilling their duty. If he fights and emerges victorious, he will rule the kingdom that is rightfully his. Either outcome is significantly better than the alternative of abandoning his duty, which would only bring him infamy and negative consequences.
The Sanskrit verse "hato vā prāpsyasi svargaṁ jitvā vā bhokṣyase mahīm" elegantly captures this win-win proposition. Krishna reframes what Arjuna perceives as a lose-lose situation (either killing loved ones or being killed) into one where both potential outcomes serve a higher purpose. This transformation of perspective is central to the verse's power.
At a deeper level, this verse illustrates how the proper understanding of one's dharma (duty) can provide clarity in confusing situations. Krishna is not merely giving tactical military advice but is teaching a universal principle about decision-making. When we clearly understand our duty and act with determination (kṛta-niścayaḥ), we can move forward confidently despite uncertainty about outcomes.
The verse also highlights the importance of action over inaction. Krishna doesn't entertain Arjuna's desire to withdraw from the battlefield as a viable option. Instead, he concludes with the imperative "tasmād uttiṣṭha" (therefore, arise), emphasizing that clarity should lead to decisive action rather than continued deliberation or hesitation. This active stance is consistent with the Gita's overall emphasis on karma yoga, or the path of righteous action.
Through this verse, Krishna demonstrates the art of decision-making that transcends both pure emotion and cold rationality. He acknowledges the reality of consequences while emphasizing adherence to one's dharma as the guiding principle. This balanced approach to life's difficult choices remains as relevant today as it was on the ancient battlefield of Kurukshetra, offering wisdom for navigating our own moments of doubt and indecision.
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