na tvevāhaṁ jātū mṛṣṭo'smi nāvaśiṣye raṇe.
“I do not wish to kill them, even though they may kill me.”
Structure
na - tvevā - ahaṁ - jātū - mṛṣṭo - asmi - na - avaśiṣye - raṇe
ahaṁ (I) jātū (ever) na (not) mṛṣṭo (deluded) asmi (am) na (not) raṇe (in battle) avaśiṣye (shall retreat) tvevā (certainly)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvevā | tvevā | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely (emphatic particle) |
| ahaṁ | ahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | I, me |
| jātū | jātū | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son, boy |
| mṛṣṭo | mṛṣṭo | verb | √mṛṣ · past participle | delighted, pleased |
| asmi | asmi | verb | √as · present · first | I am |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| avaśiṣye | avaśiṣye | verb | √śiṣ · optative · first | I will remain |
| raṇe | raṇe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in battle |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the self and the enemy is transcended. According to Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, the verse highlights Arjuna's initial reluctance to fight, stemming from his identification with the body and his relationships. However, as the Gītā progresses, Arjuna comes to realize the true nature of the self (ātman) and its identity with Brahman. Shankara interprets this verse as an expression of Arjuna's burgeoning understanding of the impermanence of the body and the futility of egoistic attachments, paving the way for the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on BG 2.12, Shankara notes that the wise do not grieve for the living or the dead, as they understand the eternal nature of the self. This verse, in particular, marks a turning point in Arjuna's spiritual journey, as he begins to question his motivations and the true nature of his duties as a warrior.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse is seen as an expression of Arjuna's innate devotion to his duty as a warrior, which is rooted in his relationship with Lord Krishna. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's svadharma, or personal duty, as a means of surrendering to the divine will. Arjuna's reluctance to fight is viewed as a test of his devotion, as he must reconcile his personal feelings with his duty as a warrior. Rāmānujācārya notes that Arjuna's statement 'I do not wish to kill them' reflects his growing awareness of the Lord's presence within all beings, and his desire to act in accordance with the Lord's will. This verse highlights the complex interplay between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), as Arjuna navigates the nuances of his duty and his devotion. In his Śrī Bhāṣya, Rāmānujācārya elaborates on the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, which is exemplified in Arjuna's gradual submission to the Lord's guidance.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse has a universal and practical application, as it highlights the importance of self-reflection and the examination of one's motivations. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the need to cultivate a sense of detachment and non-attachment, as embodied in Arjuna's initial reluctance to fight. Vivekānanda notes that this verse points to the futility of egoistic attachments and the importance of understanding the true nature of the self. He interprets Arjuna's statement as a call to introspection, encouraging individuals to question their own motivations and desires. In his speech 'The Message of the Upaniṣads,' Vivekānanda highlights the relevance of this verse to contemporary life, where individuals are often torn between their personal desires and their duties to others. He advocates for a balanced approach, where individuals can fulfill their duties while maintaining a sense of inner detachment and non-attachment, as exemplified in Arjuna's journey towards self-realization.