Category:Arjuna's Fighting
Theme Analysis
The central action of the Bhagavad-gītā revolves around the concept of fighting. To the mundane observer, it appears paradoxical that the Supreme Personality of Godhead would incite violence by urging His devotee to fight. Initially, Arjuna shared this materialistic viewpoint. Gripped by false compassion and bodily identification, Arjuna refused to fight, falsely believing that giving up his kingdom and living a nonviolent life would be more pious than killing his own family members. However, this reluctance was rooted in illusion and a desire for his own sense gratification. Lord Kṛṣṇa sternly rebuked Arjuna, calling his cowardice anārya (non-Aryan) and explaining that abandoning one's prescribed duty does not lead to liberation, but rather to infamy and spiritual degradation.
The profound lesson Kṛṣṇa imparts is that one cannot achieve spiritual perfection by artificially renouncing their natural occupation. Arjuna was a kṣatriya, a military man whose duty was to fight for justice. Kṛṣṇa instructed him not to imitate the nonviolent life of a brāhmaṇa or sannyāsī, but to perform his specific duty without attachment to the results. Inaction is considered sinful, whereas discharging one's duty in divine consciousness—remembering Kṛṣṇa—is the true path of yoga. When Kṛṣṇa orders a fight, it is for supreme justice, similar to a surgeon operating to cure a patient; therefore, such fighting carries no sinful reaction.
Ultimately, Arjuna's fighting became the very means of his spiritual perfection. After understanding the science of the Bhagavad-gītā, Arjuna abandoned his personal desires and agreed to fight solely to satisfy the senses of the Lord. He realized that Kṛṣṇa had already arranged the outcome of the battle, and that he was merely acting as the Lord's instrument. Because Arjuna fought under the direct order of the Supreme Lord, his martial activities were transformed into pure devotional service (bhakti-yoga). By this example, the Bhagavad-gītā teaches that anyone—whether an administrator, engineer, or businessman—can attain the highest spiritual perfection not by stopping their work, but by dedicating the results of their occupational duties entirely to Kṛṣṇa.
- False Compassion: Arjuna's initial refusal to fight was not spiritual; it was based on material attachment, bodily identification, and the desire for personal comfort.
- The Duty of a Kṣatriya: Kṛṣṇa instructed Arjuna to perform his natural occupational duty as a warrior and not to artificially imitate the nonviolent role of other classes.
- Instrument of the Lord: Arjuna learned that the combatants were already destined to die by Kṛṣṇa's arrangement, and he was simply meant to take the credit as the Lord's instrument.
- Fighting as Devotional Service: When Arjuna abandoned his own motives and fought exclusively to satisfy Kṛṣṇa, his fighting became the highest form of unalloyed devotional service.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Arjuna's Fighting - From Material Compassion to Devotional Service.
Pages in category "Arjuna's Fighting"
The following 269 pages are in this category, out of 269 total.
A
- A concrete example is Arjuna. He fought very chivalrously under the instructions of the Lord, and the Lord certified him to be the best devotee and friend of the Lord. So there is no distinction between chanting and offering the results of one's activity
- A ksatriya is not supposed to refuse to battle or gamble when he is so invited by some rival party. Under such obligation, Arjuna could not refuse to fight because he was challenged by the party of Duryodhana. BG 1972 purports
- A surgical operation is not meant to kill the patient, but to cure him. Therefore the fighting to be executed by Arjuna at the instruction of Krsna is with full knowledge, so there is no possibility of sinful reaction
- A Vaisnava is a fearless devotee of the Lord, and for the right cause he can take any step suitable for the purpose. Arjuna was also a Vaisnava devotee of Lord Krsna, and he fought valiantly for the satisfaction of the Lord
- Actually Arjuna was considering himself master of his actions, as if he were directing the good and bad results of such work. He forgot that the SPG was present there, instructing him to fight. That is the forgetfulness of the conditioned soul. BG 1972 p
- After Arjuna had understood the spirit of the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita, the Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, never advised him to give up his seemingly ordinary duties. On the contrary, Arjuna fought the battle with even greater energy
- After fighting and defeating Lord Siva in the dress of a hunter, Arjuna pleased the Lord and received as a reward a weapon called pasupata-astra. Everyone knew that he was a great warrior. BG 1972 purports
- After getting on Subhadra’s chariot, he prepared himself for a fight. Taking up his bow and holding off with his arrows the soldiers ordered to check him, Arjuna took Subhadra away
- All the warriors who fought against Arjuna but who were able to see the lotuslike face of the Lord on the battlefront achieved the abode of the Lord, exactly as devotees of the Lord do. The words "pleasing to the eyes of the seer" are very significant
- Although Arjuna was a ksatriya, he was deviating from his prescribed duties by declining to fight. This act of cowardice is described as befitting the non-Aryans. BG 1972 purports
- Although Arjuna was a warrior, a fighter, a householder having more than dozen wives, but he was sannyasa. Because he sacrificed everything for Krsna. That is wanted. That is Krsna conscious
- Although he could understand that his duty to fight was awaiting him, still, on account of miserly weakness, he could not discharge the duties. BG 1972 purports
- Although superficially it appears that Krsna is engaging Arjuna to fight in the sinful activities, no, that is not sinful. Whatever Krsna does, it is not sinful; it is transcendental, the most pure activity
- Another vivid example is Arjuna, who was a fighter. By fighting, he became a devotee. He did not become a devotee by chanting Hare Krsna but by fighting in the Battle of Kuruksetra
- Any attachment, positive or negative, is cause for bondage. Inaction is sinful. Therefore, fighting as a matter of duty was the only auspicious path of salvation for Arjuna. BG 1972 purports
- Apparently, to the rascals it appears like that, that Krsna is encouraging Arjuna to fight. And he says there is no sin. But the rascal does not see under what condition he is advising
- Arjuna agreed to satisfy the senses of the Lord, and thus he fought the Battle of Kuruksetra, as the Lord desired. The Vedas instruct us to get out of the existence of darkness and go forward on the path of light - tamasi ma jyotir gama
- Arjuna agreed, although at first he was not willing to fight. Duties are required for ordinary persons. They should not jump up and try to imitate Krsna and indulge in rasa-lila and thus bring about their ruin
- Arjuna did not fight without Krsna's order; therefore we must receive our orders also
- Arjuna did not know whether he should fight and risk unnecessary violence, although fighting is the duty of the ksatriyas, or whether he should refrain and live by begging. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna directly listened to Krsna, and he says, "This is my practical experience, that when I. . ." He was a politician, I mean to say, a fighter. He had so many anxieties. So he used to remember the instruction given by Krsna directly to him
- Arjuna fought because the Supreme Personality of Godhead wanted him to; therefore he was not responsible for the outcome of the fighting
- Arjuna fought the Battle of Kuruksetra under the direct order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna. Similarly, here (SB 4.20.13) Prthu Maharaja is also being given orders by Lord Visnu regarding the execution of his duty
- Arjuna fought the battle with even greater energy and vigor after he had obtained the transcendental knowledge imparted by Sri Krsna
- Arjuna had no desire to fight with his relatives, but he fought for the mission of the Lord. He was always engaged in the execution of His mission only
- Arjuna had no desire to participate in political affairs or the fighting at Kuruksetra, but when ordered to do so by the Supreme Lord, Krsna, he executed those duties very nicely
- Arjuna had to fight in the battlefield, but at the same time he heard Bhagavad-gita. Our motto shall be like that. Neither we shall fight alone, without Krishna Consciousness, nor we shall give up all possible facilities in Krishna Consciousness
- Arjuna in the Battlefield of Kuruksetra. There was a fight. That is the history of greater India, Mahabharata. It is called Mahabharata. This Bhagavad-gita is part of Mahabharata. Mahabharata means greater India or greater planet
- Arjuna is a good example. On his own sentiment, due to family affection, Arjuna did not want to fight, but finally, after hearing Srimad Bhagavad-gita, he agreed to fight in the interests of the Lord
- Arjuna is a great warrior, fighter, and for a ksatriya to kill one is not very difficult task
- Arjuna is a great warrior. He could fight all the soldiers, all the fighting men, yuyutsu. The other party, they were also, they were assembled, yuyutsu, with fighting spirit
- Arjuna is being directly ordered by the Personality of Godhead to fight. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna is fighting, and another soldier is fighting the other side. But Arjuna's activities as soldier is devotional service, because he's trying to please Krsna
- Arjuna is fighting. That is also Krsna consciousness. Yudhyasva mam anusmara (BG 8.7). Krsna said that - You chant. You remember Me. At the same time, fight
- Arjuna is not willing to fight and Krsna is inducing him to fight. They misunderstand that Arjuna is better than Krsna. But that's not the fact. What Krsna says, we have to execute that. We should not manufacture our own ideas
- Arjuna is told that he should fight in the Battle of Kuruksetra for the interest of Krsna because Krsna wanted him to fight. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna may have fought just like an ordinary military man, but because he fought in Krsna consciousness, he was free from the entanglement of his activities
- Arjuna said, "I had a fight with Lord Siva, who appeared before me as a hunter, and when I satisfied him by my prowess he gave me the weapon known as Pasupata. Do not doubt my chivalry"
- Arjuna said: O infallible one, please draw my chariot between the two armies so that I may see who is present here, who is desirous of fighting, and with whom I must contend in this great battle attempt. BG 1.21-22 - 1972
- Arjuna took compassion that, "I don't want victory. Better not to fight." So that is the cause of describing the science of Bhagavad-gita before Arjuna, just to induce him to act as a dutiful soldier. This is the background of Bhagavad-gita
- Arjuna wanted first of all to satisfy his own senses by his decision not to fight with his kinsmen and friends, but Lord Sri Krsna taught him the Bhagavad-gita just to purify Arjuna's decision for sense gratification
- Arjuna wanted to satisfy his senses by refraining from fighting with his relatives, but Krsna spoke to him to convince him to execute his duty for the satisfaction of the Supreme
- Arjuna wanted to see them (all persons who had joined the side of Duryodhana) in the battlefield (of Kuruksetra) before the fight was begun, just to learn who they were, but he had no intention of proposing peace negotiations with them. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna was a family man, grhastha, a politician. He was not a Vedanti. He was not a big scholar in Vedanta. Ksatriya. He knew how to fight, how to fight with enemies. This much qualification he had
- Arjuna was a famous fighter, and he attained fame by fighting many great demigods, including even Lord Siva. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna was a householder Ksatriya and was fighting for the interest of the Lord and as such he was the first Acarya in the parampara line
- Arjuna was a ksatriya, a fighter. He was a householder, not even a sannyasi, not a renouncer - but these are not qualifications to understand Krsna
- Arjuna was a military man, and born of the nature of the ksatriya. Therefore his natural duty was to fight. But, due to false ego, he was fearing that by killing his teacher, grandfather and friends, there would be sinful reactions. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna was a warrior; he was a soldier, fighter. He was not expected to be a great Vedantist or Vedic scholar in Vedic literature
- Arjuna was advised by the Lord (Krsna) to fight as a matter of duty without attachment to the result. His nonparticipation in the battle is another side of attachment. Such attachment never leads one to the path of salvation. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna was apparently a fighter but when by his fighting he satisfied the senses of Lord Krsna, he became a devotee
- Arjuna was declining to fight, but Krsna is inducing him to fight. So in spiritual platform there is no question of stopping work, no question of stopping work. But work for the Supreme. That's all, isavasyam idam sarvam (ISO 1), with God consciousness
- Arjuna was entrusted with the work of fighting on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra, and before he was so entrusted, the Lord had already arranged for his victory
- Arjuna was fighting on behalf of his elder brother, Yudhisthira. Because Krsna and Arjuna were on the side of Yudhisthira, Yudhisthira's victory was certain
- Arjuna was hesitant. But the same fighting remained after hearing Bhagavad-gita. And what is the change? The change is that bodily identification gone, spiritual identification taken, that he, as part and parcel of Krsna, it is his duty to serve Krsna
- Arjuna was hesitating to fight, "How can I kill my nephew, my brother, my grandfather," and so on, so on. So Krsna was instructing him that, - It is your duty. As a ksatriya, when there is battle, you should fight. You should not deviate from your duty
- Arjuna was in the beginning not willing to fight. That was his personal satisfaction. He was considering in terms of his personal satisfaction. But later on, the same Arjuna, he wanted to satisfy Krsna, and he fought and he became a great devotee
- Arjuna was Krsna's friend, but He never said that "You stop your working." Rather, He engaged him in his real work. He was a fighter
- Arjuna was not at all afraid of the giant military phalanx presented by Duryodhana, but as a merciful devotee of the Lord, renunciation of worldly things was natural for him, and thus he decided not to fight for worldly possessions
- Arjuna was not the supreme knower, and his decision to fight or not to fight was confined to his limited discretion. Lord Krsna instructed that the individual is not all in all. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna was refusing to fight but he was told that he should fight in accordance with the desire of the Supreme Lord
- Arjuna was refusing to fight, but he was told that he should fight and at the same time desire the Supreme Lord. Then he would be happy. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna was then advised by God to fight and take credit; otherwise the party of Duryodhana would be killed anyway by the will of the Lord. Arjuna was advised just to become the agent and take the credit for killing great generals like Bhisma and Karna
- Arjuna was trained in that way - he was a soldier - but by his soldier's business, occupational duty, he satisfied Krsna. He fought for Krsna, not for his personal sense gratification. That is his test, samsiddhir hari-tosanam
- Arjuna worshiped the Lord by fighting with his so-called relatives, and in this way he became a pure devotee of the Lord. Such accomplishments are possible only when one worships the real Krsna and not some fabricated "Krsna" invented by foolish men
- Arjuna's fighting was due to Dronacarya. He learned it from Dronacarya. He was a brahmana. But because he took the position of a teacher, he thought very perfectly
- Arjuna's prescribed duty was to fight, and the perfection of his fighting was tested by the satisfaction of Krsna. Krsna wanted him to fight, and when he fought for the satisfaction of the Lord, that was the perfection of his professional devotional duty
- Arjuna's proposal not to fight was based on sense gratification. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna, a personal friend of Krsna, he was in difficulty - there was a fight between him and his brothers. So this world is full of difficulties. But the devotee, when he's in difficulty, he does not express it
- Arjuna, after seeing the other party, that the other party, all of them belonged to his family, all family members, because it was fight between cousin brothers, so he became compassionate
- Arjuna, although he was fighter, Arjuna did not change his position. He did not become a brahmana. After hearing Bhagavad-gita it is not that he gave up his profession as a ksatriya and went to Himalaya to become a brahmana, meditation
- Arjuna, in Bhagavad-gita, was trying to accept for himself the responsibility for killing his grandfather and teacher in the fight, but he became freed from that proprietorship of action when he acted under the direction of Krsna
- Arjuna, just after seeing his kinsmen, friends and relatives on the battlefield, was at once overwhelmed by compassion for them who had so decided to fight amongst themselves. BG 1972 purports
- Arjuna, the ksatriya, was refusing to fight despite being directly ordered by the Supreme Lord. He was thus chastised by the Lord as belonging to a non-Aryan family. Anyone who is advanced in the devotional service of the Lord certainly knows his duty
- Arjuna, you should always think of Me (Krsna), and at the same time you should continue your prescribed duty & fight. With your mind & activities always fixed on Me & everything engaged in Me, you will attain to Me without any doubt. BG 1972 Introduction
- Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krsna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt
- Arya-samaj means one who knows his duty, how to do it in proper time. So ksatriya, his duty is to fight, to defend from the hands of the enemy. So he was declining to fight, so He chastised him, - Non-Aryans. You are not Aryan
- Aryan civilization means this Vedic civilization. Just like Arjuna, a ksatriya, belonged to the Aryan civilization, and because he was denying to fight, Krsna accused him, "Oh, this is just like non-Aryans." Anarya-justam, non-Aryans
- As a good, nonviolent man, Arjuna did not want to fight with his kinsmen, but when he understood that Krsna wanted the fight and had arranged it at Kuruksetra, he gave up his own satisfaction and fought for the satisfaction of the Lord
- As a pure devotee of the Lord (Krsna), Arjuna agreed to fight in preference to his own decision, and thus Arjuna fought to assist the Lord in His mission of diminishing the burden of the world
- As a pure devotee of the Lord, Arjuna had no desire to fight with his cousins and brothers, but he was forced to come onto the battlefield by the obstinacy of Duryodhana, who was never agreeable to any peaceful negotiation. BG 1972 purports
- As Brhannala, Arjuna fought on behalf of Uttara, the son of King Virata, and thus defeated the Kurus in the fight incognito
- As it was evident from the Battlefield of Kuruksetra, all the executive heads of both parties, like Drona, Bhisma, Arjuna and Duryodhana, were not sleeping; all of them were actual participants in the fighting
- As supreme teacher of the world, Lord Krsna condemns the attitude of Arjuna who said - I do not find any good in this fighting. It will cause perpetual habitation in hell - Such statements by Arjuna were due to ignorance only. BG 1972 purports
- As usual by the grace of Lord Krsna he (Arjuna) was able to emerge very successful in the princely fight and thus gain the valuable hand of Krsna, or Draupadi
- Asru-purna: his (Arjuna's) eyes was full with tears. "Krsna, I have to fight with my relatives." So he was crying, that "This is not very good business." So why he was crying? Krpayavistam: being merciful upon them
B
- Because Arjuna was without any pretension, he changed his decision and satisfied the Lord by agreeing to fight (karisye vacanam tava) (BG 18.73), and thus he became desireless
- Because we are simply order-carrier. Just like Arjuna. Arjuna was posing himself by his family relationship that he's very perfect, nonviolent gentleman. But Krsna induced him to fight, to kill the other party
- Before his (Arjuna) hearing Bhagavad-gita he was a soldier, and after hearing Bhagavad-gita he remained a soldier. But in the beginning of the fight he was not willing to fight with his brothers
- Being a pure devotee he (Arjuna) agreed to fight on God's instruction because he came to his senses & realized that satisfaction of God at the cost of his own satisfaction was his prime duty. He became akama. That is the perfect stage of a living being
- Both as friend and philosopher to Arjuna, Lord Krsna now gives His final judgement regarding Arjuna's refusal to fight. BG 1972 purports
- Both the Arjunas (the King of Haihaya, and the other is the grandfather of the child) are famous for their bowmanship, and the child Pariksit is foretold to be equal to both of them, particularly in fighting
D
- Devotional service means every living entity has a specific duty towards God. God wants everyone to do a particular duty for Him, that is service. Just like God instructed Arjuna to fight, so to fight was Arjuna's duty
- Dhrtarastra must have been very glad that Arjuna was not going to fight & was instead leaving the battlefield for the begging profession. But Sanjaya disappointed him again in relating that Arjuna was competent to kill his enemies. BG 1972 purports
- Does it mean that Arjuna after understanding Bhagavad-gita became a violent fighter?
- Dronacarya was informed of Arjuna's presence in the fight of the Kurus and the Viratas
- During the time of cow-stealing in Virata-nagara, he (Trigarta) was able to arrest Maharaja Virata, but later Maharaja Virata was released by Bhima. In the Battle of Kuruksetra he also fought very valiantly, but at the end he was killed by Arjuna
E
- Even though there was no certainty of victory for Arjuna's side, he still had to fight; for, even being killed there, he could be elevated into the heavenly planets. BG 1972 purports
- Even though they (Yudhistira and Arjuna) were unwilling to kill their own men in the fight, it had to be done as a matter of duty, for it was planned by the supreme will of Lord Sri Krsna
- Every man is in difficulty in so many ways, as Arjuna also was in difficulty in having to fight the Battle of Kuruksetra. Arjuna surrendered unto Sri Krsna, and consequently this Bhagavad-gita was spoken. BG 1972 Introduction
- Externally we can see that both parties are engaged in fighting, but we should understand that Arjuna is not bound by reactions because he is fighting under the order of Krsna
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- Fighting is not very good business, killing. But sometimes, by killing, one can become a great devotee of Krsna. He (Arjuna) was a warrior, fighter. His business was to fight, but he fought for Krsna. Then he became a devotee
- First of all he (Arjuna) was nonviolent; he was not willing to fight. Now he has degraded after hearing Bhagavad-gita? Is it the conclusion? No. He has improved
- Five thousand years also ago, that Krsna says that - You are so reputed a fighter, and if you stop fighting, people will not consider
- For Arjuna at first fighting was not agreeable, but when he understood that the fighting was agreeable to the Lord, he accepted the fighting as agreeable. That is the position of a pure devotee
- For Krishna we can execute any activity, but this is not free license to act whimsically. Arjuna was able to fight on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra because this was Krishna's desire, not because it was simply his whims
- Forgetting his prime duty, he (Arjuna) wanted to cease fighting, because he thought that by not killing his relatives and kinsmen he would be happier than by enjoying the kingdom after conquering his cousins & brothers, the sons of Dhrtarastra. BG 1972 p
- From gentleman's point of view, from nonviolence point of view, Arjuna was very nice. He was not willing to fight. But Krsna said: "You must fight," and therefore everything was engaged
- From the material point of view, Arjuna's initial decision not to fight was a good one, but from the spiritual point of view it was not
- From the teachings of Bhagavad-gita we learn very clearly that Arjuna, in the beginning, did not want to fight with his brothers and relatives, but after understanding Bhagavad-gita he dovetailed his consciousness with the superconsciousness of Krsna
H
- Hanuman become engaged in fighting with Ravana, but he became the greatest devotee of Lord Ramacandra. Arjuna also became engaged with, in fighting with the Kauravas, and he is the greatest
- He (Arjuna) argued, - No, no. If I fight, my people will die, and their wives will become widow, and they will be adulterated, and then, by adulteration, unwanted population will increase, and who will offer sraddha
- He (Arjuna) did not consider how much the other party was bent upon fighting. All these symptoms are due to softheartedness resulting from his being a great devotee of the Lord. BG 1972 purports
- He (Arjuna) did not like to fight, but for Krsna's sake he fought. So fight for Krsna, work for Krsna, think of Krsna, eat krsna-prasadam, talk of Krsna, read for Krsna. So Krsna, Krsna, Krsna, Krsna, Krsna, Krsna. This is life. This is KC
- He (Arjuna) fought not for his sense gratification but for the satisfaction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
- He (Arjuna) fought the battle with full vigor once he had understood the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita
- He (Arjuna) fought, but he was actually freed from the reactions of fighting, although in the beginning, when he was nonviolent, unwilling to fight, the entire responsibility was upon him. That is the difference between liberation and conditioning
- He (Arjuna) said that although he could get a kingdom by fighting with his relatives, he did not want to fight with them. But when he was ordered by Krsna and convinced by the teachings of Bhagavad-gita that his duty was to satisfy Krsna, then he fought
- He (Arjuna) wanted to skillfully avoid the fighting by using Krsna consciousness as an excuse. But as a sincere student, he placed the matter before his master and questioned Krsna as to his best course of action. BG 1972 purports
- He (Arjuna) was a fighter. His duty as a ksatriya, his duty is to fight. But he fought for Krsna. Similarly, everyone can perform his duty. That is also enjoined in the SB
- He (Arjuna) was a good man, religious man, devotee. Naturally he was not inclined to fight with his relatives, kinsmen
- He (Arjuna) was a military man, and his sva-dharma, his occupational duty, was to fight. So that fighting capacity he engaged himself in the service of Krsna, and he became a devotee. Krsna certified, bhakto 'si
- He (Krsna) played the part of the charioteer, while Arjuna was given the chance to play the fighter and thus become the hero of the Battle of Kuruksetra
- He said - "Krsna, the opposite side, they are all my brothers and nephews and fathers and grandfather. So there is no use of fighting like this, to kill them. let them enjoy." But Krsna induced Arjuna, - No. This is the right cause. You must fight
- Here is an instance where we can see that Lord Siva became pleased even in the fight with Arjuna
- Here Krsna is addressing Arjuna, anarya: non-Aryan. - You are ksatriya. Your service is now required to fight with persons who have created injustice. So what is this, that you are denying to fight
- His grandfather Arjuna had to fight with such great heroes as Bhisma, Drona, Karna & many others who were not ordinary fighters. Such warriors have been compared to the timingila fish in the ocean. The timingila fish can very easily swallow up big whales
- How is it possible to prove nonviolence from Bhagavad-gita? The very theme of Bhagavad-gita involves Arjuna's reluctance to fight and Krsna's inducing him to kill his opponents
I
- I would consider it better for the sons of Dhrtarastra to kill me unarmed and unresisting, rather than fight with them. BG 1.45 - 1972
- If one is an administrator, statesman, warrior, politician, etc., then one should try to establish the Lord's supremacy in statesmanship. Fight for the cause of the Lord as Sri Arjuna did
- If we think that because Krsna acts in a particular way - as on the battlefield He gave instructions to Arjuna to fight - He is bound by the reactions of His activities, we are mistaken. "Works do not defile Me," Sri Krsna says - na mam karmani limpanti
- If you (Arjuna) are blasphemed, defamed by your enemies, better, before getting that, you better die in the fight. And dying, by dying, you are not loser
- If you (Arjuna) do not act according to My (Krsna) direction and do not fight, then you will be falsely directed. By your nature, you will have to be engaged in warfare
- If you do business and you earn money and spend it for Krsna consciousness, that is also bhakti. That is also bhakti. Just like vivid example is Arjuna. Arjuna is a fighter, and by fighting, he became a devotee; not by chanting Hare Krsna
- If you go away, people will say against your reputation: 'Oh, Arjuna has become a coward. He has fled away from the fighting.' So it is better to die than to have bad reputation." That is another argument
- If you work for Krsna... The vivid example is Arjuna. He is working for Krsna. So you can do also. Simply by fighting... Arjuna was not chanting Hare Krsna. So you can do also
- In Arjuna's discharge of duties as a ksatriya, he is advised to persevere, even if it is difficult to fight with his family members or similarly beloved persons. BG 1972 purports
- In Bhagavad-gita Krsna asks Arjuna to become a yogi, but He never tells him to cease from fighting. Quite the contrary. Of course one may ask how a person may be a yogi and at the same time a warrior
- In such chivalrous fighting between friends (like Krsna & Arjuna), there is sometimes bragging, self-complacence, pride, power, taking to weapons, challenging & standing as opponent. All of these symptoms become impetuses to chivalrous devotional service
- In the 4th Chapter (of BG), Krsna told Arjuna that all kinds of sacrificial work culminate in knowledge. However, at the end of the Fourth Chapter, the Lord advised Arjuna to wake up and fight, being situated in perfect knowledge. BG 1972 purports
- In the Battle of Kuruksetra he (Bhurisrava) was especially engaged in a fight with Satyaki, and he killed ten sons of Satyaki. Arjuna cut off his hands, and he was ultimately killed by Satyaki. After his death he merged into the existence of Visvadeva
- In the beginning Arjuna placed himself as one of those who desire self-satisfaction, for he desired not to fight in the Battle of Kuruksetra
- In the beginning Arjuna was arguing with Krsna to support his decision that he would not fight, but he could not convince Krsna very nicely
- In the beginning he did not know how to use the senses. Therefore he decided, "I shall not fight. I shall not fight." That is his material calculation
- In the beginning, Arjuna decided that he should not fight in the Battle of Kuruksetra. This was his own decision. BG 1972 Introduction
- In the beginning, Arjuna did not like to fight. He was a good . . . good man, religious man, devotee. Naturally he was not inclined to fight with his relatives, kinsmen
- In the beginning, Sri Arjuna, the great fighter, declined to fight, but when he was convinced by the Lord that the fighting was necessary, Sri Arjuna changed his decision and fought for His cause
- In the Bhagavad-gita we can see that Arjuna desired not to fight with his brothers and relations just to satisfy his own personal desires. But when he heard the message of the Lord, Srimad Bhagavad-gita, he changed his decision and served the Lord
- In the Gita, Krsna says to Arjuna, - As a fighter, you have to fight. You cannot step away from the fighting. It is your duty
- "In warfield, and you are talking of nonviolence, rascal. There is no question of nonviolence. You have to fight." So he (Arjuna) was still arguing. Then He (Krsna) finally said, "My dear Arjuna, you fight or don't fight. It doesn't matter"
- Indra was angry when the fire was set in the Khandava Forest, and thus Indra, assisted by all other demigods, began fighting with Arjuna for his great challenge
- It is found in Bhagavad-gita: Although Krsna was doing everything for Arjuna, Arjuna never sat down idly as a nonviolent gentleman. Rather, he tried his best to fight the battle and be victorious
- It is the custom - according to ksatriya fighting principles - that an unarmed and unwilling foe should not be attacked. Arjuna, however, in such an enigmatic position, decided he would not fight if he were attacked by the enemy. BG 1972 purports
- It was a family fight - so Arjuna was not willing to fight, but Krsna wanted to fight. And after learning from Him the essence of Bhagavad-gita, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja (BG 18.66), he agreed to fight. That is bhakti-yoga
- It was by His (Krsna's) influence only that in a fight I (Arjuna) was able to astonish the personality of god Lord Siva and his wife (Himavati), the daughter of Mount Himalaya. Thus he (Lord Siva) became pleased with me and awarded me his own weapon
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- Just like Arjuna was advised. He is a military man. He used to fight. His occupation is, when there is danger he must fight. A ksatriya, ksatriya's business is that
- Just like in the Bhagavad-gita the master, Krsna, orders Arjuna to fight. He was not willing to fight for his personal interest, but when Krsna ordered him that "You must fight," he fought. That is service
- Just to teach us, Marshal Arjuna tried to understand the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita at a time when a moment was virtually impossible to spare. All this he did for the sake of people like us, and he fought the battle with full vigor
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- Karna and the other disappointed princes offered an unusual stumbling block to Arjuna while he was leaving with Draupadi. Specifically, Karna fought with him very valiantly, but all of them were defeated by Arjuna
- Karna was equal to Arjuna, and therefore Arjuna was in crisis when fighting with Karna. It was felt by Arjuna, and therefore Karna was killed even by crooked means. Such are the engagements of the ksatriyas
- Krsna advised Arjuna that "You fight," not that we shall not fight. We shall fight to the best. And this is good, they are feeling the pressure of this movement
- Krsna advised him to fight, but because Arjuna was a Vaisnava, in the beginning he was unwilling. A Vaisnava does not like to kill anything, but if Krsna orders him, he must fight
- Krsna advised him to fight. He was, rather, because he was a Vaisnava, he was not willing to fight, to kill. Vaisnava does not like to kill. But if there is necessity . . . just like Arjuna had to kill. That is by the order of Krsna, not by his own will
- Krsna appeared for the mission of diminishing the burden of the world, & Arjuna was assisting Him by fighting on His behalf. Arjuna personally declined to fight, & the whole instruction of the Bhagavad-gita was given to Arjuna to engage him in the fight
- Krsna condemned it, kutas tva kasmalam idam visame samupasthitam: "What nonsense you (Arjuna) are speaking? You must fight." Then still he was unwilling to fight. Therefore the whole Bhagavad-gita was spoken to him
- Krsna engaged Arjuna on the battlefield under His order, and so the fighting became devotional service. Therefore, Arjuna was not subjected to any sinful reaction
- Krsna Himself is guiding him and becoming the chariot driver, and He saw that "Arjuna is declining fight?" He became surprised. So He chastised him, - So this is not for a gentleman, business. You are behaving like non-Aryans
- Krsna Himself is on the battlefield and He is trying to induce Arjuna. Arjuna is declining, and He is inducing, "No, you must fight." Yad yad acarati sresthah (BG 3.21). So we have to follow the footprints of great personalities
- Krsna induced him (Arjuna) that "You are a ksatriya. It is your duty to fight. Why you are deviating from your duty?"
- Krsna is addressing Arjuna, anarya: "Non-Aryan. You are ksatriya. Your service is now required to fight with persons who have created injustice. So what is this, that you are denying to fight?"
- Krsna never said that "My dear Arjuna, you are My first-class devotee. Now you sit down and I'll do everything for you." No. Krsna never said. Rather, Arjuna was not willing to fight, and Krsna was inducing him - You must fight
- Krsna said (to Arjuna) that "You are a ksatriya. You are king. It is your duty to fight"
- Krsna said to Arjuna - Give up this cowardice habit. You get up and prepare for your fight. This is ksatriya's business. You should not go behind
- Krsna said to Arjuna, "You are fighting for Me; therefore you are not asura." Those who are fighting for their sense gratification, they're asuras, but if need be fighting for, for cause, right cause...
- Krsna said to Arjuna: "This is not for the Aryan. You are ksatriya, you are meant for fighting for justice, and you are denying to fight? Oh, this is not good. This kind of proposal, cowardice, can be proposed by the anarya
- Krsna says (to Arjuna) that - Don't try to imitate the business of a sannyasi or a Brahmin. You are ksatriya. You . . . your duty is to fight, so you should follow your own prescribed duty. Don't try to imitate others
- Krsna says, "It is (varnasrama) introduced by Me for very good management of the social order." Brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra. So Arjuna belonged to the ksatriya family. Therefore his hesitation to fight in the battlefield is not befitting the Aryans
- Krsna taught to the whole world that Arjuna was a soldier, he was a fighter, and in his fighting also he can be Krsna conscious. It is not that he has to cease from fighting and then become Krsna conscious. No
- Krsna wanted Arjuna to fight, and although Arjuna did not want to fight, he fought because Krsna desired it. We have to learn to follow this example
- Krsna was doing everything, but still He told Arjuna, "You must fight." Nor did Arjuna say to Krsna, "You are my great friend. Better for You to fight and let me sit down and smoke ganja." No, that is not Krsna consciousness
- Krsna was taking part in the Battlefield of Kuruksetra and inducing Arjuna that, "You fight." Arjuna was not willing to fight, but He was inducing to fight
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- Like Arjuna - in the beginning, he was declining to fight, on account of his individuality. But when he accepted Krsna as his spiritual master, he became sisya (a disciple). Whatever Krsna ordered, he said yes. That doesn't mean he lost his individuality
- Like Arjuna surrendered. So surrender means, he had to fight. Not that, "I surrender, I do nothing." That is not surrender. Doing nothing of the material thing, that is negation. Take the positive view. That is doing always for Krsna
- Lord Brahma is a great devotee of the Lord; therefore he has been empowered or inspired by the Lord to create such a universe as the one manifested before us. The Lord also inspired Arjuna to fight in the field of Kuruksetra
- Lord Krsna now (in BG 2.38) directly says that Arjuna should fight for the sake of fighting because He desires the battle. BG 1972 purports
- Lord Krsna, Bhima and Arjuna asked Jarasandha for the facility of fighting him, and it was settled that Jarasandha would fight with Bhima only
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- Marshal Arjuna pretended to display philosophical ignorance and weakness, like an ordinary man, when with his chariot between the two opposing armies on the battlefield of Kuruksetra, he refused to fight
- My dear Partha, you wanted to see with whom you have to fight. Now here is Bhisma, Drona & many other kings, all the descendants of Kuru dynasty, your Dhrtarastra's sons. Now you see very nicely & be prepared to fight with them
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- Negation is no life. Positive life is life. "Don't do this," is no life. "Do this," this is life.The whole Bhagavad-gita is "do." "Do fight for Me." There is nothing "don't." Arjuna wanted, "Don't induce me." And Krsna did not like that
- Not finding any combatant, he (Banasura) struck his powerful arms against the mountains, breaking them to pieces. In contrast to this, Arjuna also possessed extraordinary powers for fighting, but he utilized them only for Krsna
- Now there is a great dangerous fight, why you (Arjuna) are saying like a nonsense, - anarya-justam, - like non-Aryan
- Now you can say that "Arjuna was a fighter, and there was great need of the Kuruksetra fighting, so he satisfied Krsna, but I am a poor man, I am not Ksatriya, not (indistinct)." That doesn't matter
O
- O Partha, happy are the ksatriyas to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them the doors of the heavenly planets
- O son of Kunti, either you will be killed on the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets, or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom. Therefore get up and fight with determination. BG 2.37 - 1972
- O son of Kunti, either you will be killed on the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets, or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom. Therefore, get up with determination and fight
- Obligation is actually binding when the effect is good, but when the effect is otherwise, then no one can be bound. Considering all these pros and cons, Arjuna decided not to fight. BG 1972 purports
- Of course, everyone thinks right cause; therefore it should be confirmed. Just like Arjuna. Arjuna fought when he understood that "This fighting is right cause, it is sanctioned by Krsna." Then it is right cause
- On hearing this (Arjuna took a vow to kill him), Jayadratha wanted to leave the warfield and asked permission from the Kauravas for this cowardly action. But he was not allowed to do so. On the contrary, he was obliged to fight with Arjuna
- On the Battlefield of Kuruksetra, Arjuna engaged in fighting, and those on the side of Duryodhana also engaged in fighting. We must understand how it is that Arjuna is free from reaction whereas Duryodhana is not
- One may then ask this question: What was the purpose for which Arjuna fought on the battlefield of Kuruksetra? The answer is plain and simple. The fight that is fought in pursuance of military duty touches the body only
- Only the material body of the indestructible, immeasurable, and eternal living entity is subject to destruction; therefore, fight, O descendant of Bharata - BG 2.18
- Out of sentiment, Arjuna was thinking, "Why should I fight against my own kinsmen?" That reluctance to fight was due to Arjuna's illusion, and just to eradicate that illusion, Sri Krsna spoke the Bhagavad-gita to him
S
- Sambhavitasya, one who is very reputed, famous man, if he does something wrong, then it was better to die before such infamy is grown. This is advised. Arjuna is famous as a great fighter
- Some may protest that Krsna incited Arjuna to fight, which is immoral, but the reality of the situation is clearly stated: Bhagavad-gita is the supreme instruction in morality. BG 1972 purports
- Sri Arjuna, wanting to satisfy his senses by becoming a so-called nonviolent and pious man, at first decided not to fight
T
- The best example of nirvana is cited in Bhagavad-gita. In the beginning the mind of Arjuna deviated from Krsna's. Krsna wanted Arjuna to fight, but Arjuna did not want to, so there was disagreement
- The Bhagavad-gita begins at the point after intelligence. When Arjuna was perplexed at the outset, his intelligence was perplexed - whether to fight or not to fight. Krsna begins the Gita from the point where intelligence fails
- The Blessed Lord said: All the great warriors-Drona, Bhisma, Jayadratha, Karna-are already destroyed. Simply fight, and you will vanquish your enemies. BG 11.34 - 1972
- The doubts which have arisen in your heart out of ignorance should be slashed by the weapon of knowledge. Armed with yoga, O Bharata, stand and fight
- The fight was actually between Duryodhana and Yudhisthira. Arjuna was fighting on behalf of his elder brother, Yudhisthira. Because Krsna and Arjuna were on the side of Yudhisthira, Yudhisthira's victory was certain. BG 1972 purports
- The fighting to be executed by Arjuna at the instruction of Krsna is with full knowledge, so there is no possibility of sinful reaction. BG 1972 purports
- The first-class example of this type of man (who does not act for sense gratification, since he is situated in his occupational duties) is Arjuna. Arjuna was a ksatriya, and his occupational duty was to fight
- The king sometimes has to perform duties which are not very desirable just because he is the king. Similarly, Arjuna was not at all willing to fight because fighting or killing one's own kinsmen and family members is not at all desirable
- The king's punishment of hanging a murderer is actually beneficial. Similarly, when Krsna orders fighting, it must be concluded that violence is for supreme justice, and thus Arjuna should follow the instruction
- The Lord advised Arjuna to wake up and fight, being situated in perfect knowledge. Therefore, by simultaneously stressing the importance of both work in devotion & inaction in knowledge, Krsna has perplexed Arjuna & confused his determination. BG 1972 p
- The Lord further tells Arjuna that as a ksatriya he cannot give up his fighting, but if Arjuna fights remembering Krsna, then he will be able to remember Him at the time of death. BG 1972 Introduction
- The Lord said, "My dear Arjuna, do not desist from fighting. If you gain victory in the fight, you will enjoy a kingdom, and even if you die you will be elevated to the heavenly planets"
- The Lord says - Arjuna, if you leave the battlefield, people will call you a coward even before your actual flight. BG 1972 purports
- The Lord tells Arjuna, O Arjuna, merely be an instrument in the fight. Lord Krsna had the competence to win the Battle of Kuruksetra, but nonetheless He induced His devotee Arjuna to fight and become the cause of victory
- The main point is Krsna wants Arjuna that he must fight. He must, he must not deviate from his duty as a ksatriya. He should not be overwhelmed by the bodily destruction
- The Pandavas, especially Maharaja Yudhisthira and Arjuna, anticipated the aftereffects of the Battle of Kuruksetra, and therefore Arjuna declined to execute the fighting
- The whole instruction to Arjuna is that Arjuna wanted to satisfy his senses, his senses. He wanted that, that by not fighting with the opposite party, who were composed of his relatives, brothers and brother-in-laws and father-in-laws
- There is a statement in the Hari-vamsa that sometimes Arjuna and Krsna fought in the presence of Kunti, and Arjuna would be defeated by Krsna
- There is no question of Arjuna's considering whether he would fight or not. It is sanctioned by Krsna; so fight must be there
- There is no question of giving anything up in Krsna consciousness. That is the sum and substance of the Bhagavad-gita. Arjuna also thought like that "I shall not fight and fell silent" but Krsna did not approve of this sentimental attitude of Arjuna
- There was a great fight between the two (Siva in the form of an aborigine and Arjuna), and at last Lord Siva was satisfied with him and disclosed his identity
- Therefore get up and prepare to fight. After conquering your enemies you will enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasacin, can be but an instrument in the fight. BG 11.33 - 1972
- This initiation means the beginning of acarya upasanam. Just like Arjuna submitted to Krsna when he was puzzled whether he would fight or not. Then he took shelter of Krsna as guru
- This is Gaudiya-Vaisnava philosophy. It requires time. So the activities of Krsna, the rascals, if they simply see that "Krsna is enticing Arjuna to fight; therefore Krsna is immoral," that is, means wrong vision
- This is life of Krsna, worshiping Krsna in the temple, to sell Krsna's books, SB, BG, to think of Krsna - Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna - to eat krsna-prasadam, to take all risk for Krsna, to do work for Krsna, as Arjuna, to fight for Krsna
- This is the same principle on which, in the Bhagavad-gita, Krsna advised Arjuna to utilize his fighting abilities in devotional service. Similarly, we are utilizing these machines for Krsna's service
- Those who are too dull, it takes little time. But give them chance: Chant, chant, chant, chant! Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse! But when it is properly cleansed, then he will be ready. Arjuna's decision was not to fight. Now he says, "Yes." That is required
- Throughout Bhagavad-gita, Krsna was encouraging Arjuna to fight, for he was a warrior, and fighting was his duty
W
- We have discussed that point. Arjuna was talking with Krsna in friendly terms, just like friend. Krsna was saying something, - Oh, you cannot . . . you are a ksatriya. You are a military man. How can you give up the fighting
- We shall keep always in mind that Arjuna was engaged into fight not for his personal self. For his personal self he denied - Oh, what shall I do with this kingdom by fighting with my brothers and grandfather? No. Krsna, excuse me. I cannot fight
- We should not give up anything. That is not Krsna consciousness. That is not advice of Lord Krsna in the Bhagavad-gita. He never says (to) Arjuna that "You give up this fighting and go to the Himalayas and sit down silently there to meditation
- What Krsna says, you do that. Just like Arjuna. Arjuna was not willing to fight, but when he listened Bhagavad-gita from Krsna, then he agreed to fight
- Whatever Arjuna has said to Krsna in order to avoid the fighting, so those things are correct. But from the spiritual platform, those things may be correct or incorrect, but from spiritual platform, they are not to be considered very serious
- When Arjuna declined to fight, and then Krsna had to instruct him about the whole instruction of Bhagavad-gita just to induce him to fight
- When Arjuna declined to fight, Krsna condemned him, "Oh, you are just like talking like a non-Aryan, not Aryan
- When Arjuna refused to fight, He (Krsna) chastised him like anything. What is the . . . Anarya-justam? He's just like non-Aryans, talking foolish
- When Arjuna understood that it was Krsna's plan to reduce the unnecessary increase of population, he agreed to fight according to Krsna's desire. He again took up his weapons-his arrows and bow-to fight under the order of the SP of Godhead. BG 1972 pur
- When Arjuna was chastised by Krsna as a friend that "Why you are so weak? Don't be weak. This is sentiment. This kind of compassion is sentiment. Uttistha. You better get up and fight"
- When Arjuna was just going to fight with his arrows and bows, he simply thought, - Oh, what I am going to do? I am going to kill my own men. The other side, they are only my brothers and nephews, grandfather. What sort of fight I am going to do?
- When Arjuna was little disturbed... Because this battle was arranged between two parties of cousin-brothers... And when Arjuna saw the other party, all his relatives, family members, so he hesitated to fight, and there was some argument
- When Arjuna was perplexed by so many problems involving whether to fight or not, he accepted Lord Krsna as his spiritual master. It was also a case of the supreme spiritual master instructing Arjuna about the constitutional position of the living entity
- When Arjuna, denied to fight, Krsna accused him that "You are talking like non-Aryans. You are not Aryan." Anarya-justam, akirti-karam arjuna (BG 2.2) - You are talking like a non-Aryan, and which will defame your reputation. Don't say like that
- When Arjuna, in the dress of a poor brahmana, pierced the difficult target, everyone was astonished, and all of them, especially Karna, offered a stiff fight to Arjuna
- When he (Arjuna) did not like to fight He (Krsna) chastised him, "Non-Aryan." "You're talking like non-Aryan." Aryan means advanced
- When he (Arjuna) was fully situated in the principles of bhagavata-dharma, culminating in complete surrender unto the will of the Supreme Lord, he changed his decision and agreed to fight for the satisfaction of the Lord
- When He saw Arjuna that he was not willing to fight, then Krsna said - My dear Arjuna, you are lamenting for something which is not the subject matter of lamentation
- When Krsna blew His conchshell, and from the back side, Arjuna is just trying to take his arrow and fight . . . but instead of fighting - No, no, no. I am not going to . . . giving up. Finished. I am no more going to fight
- When the Pandavas were living at the palace of Virata incognito, the Kauravas picked a quarrel with King Virata and decided to take away his large number of cows. While they were taking away the cows, Arjuna fought with them incognito
- When there is injustice, it must be faced with fighting. That is Krsna's version. So Arjuna, as a Vaisnava, did not like to fight. But Krsna, as the supreme mediator . . . that is also good for everything. Whatever Krsna does, that is . . . - God is good
- When, contrary to the wish of Krsna, he (Arjuna) was not willing to fight, that was imperfect
- While Arjuna was fighting the battle, he completely depended on Krsna. But he was not idle. Completely, to depend completely on God does not mean idleness. Arjuna is the example
- While fighting was going on between Arjuna and Bhisma, Bhisma's attraction was drawn by the glittering dress of Krsna, and indirectly he admired his so-called enemy Arjuna for possessing the Lord as his friend
- While the fight was going on (between Jayadratha and Arjuna) Lord Krsna reminded Arjuna that the benediction of Siva upon Jayadratha was that whoever would cause his head to fall on the ground would die at once
- Why one should be interested in the Pandavas' activities, Arjuna's fight with his brothers? There are so many other people, they are fighting with their brother, with their enemies. Why we are not recommended to hear about that thing
- Within one hour, the whole Bhagavad-gita was discussed, and Sri Krsna set forth the perfection of all yoga systems to His friend Arjuna. At the end of this great discourse, Arjuna set aside his misgivings and fought
Y
- You (Arjuna) are known as a great fighter, great soldier and My friend, and this will be going against your reputation. Don't do this
- You cannot understand why Krsna said to Arjuna that "You fight." First of all understand yourself. That is the first instruction the Arjuna was given
- You have to fight. Certainly you have to fight with your brothers, brothers-in-law and nephews, and you are lamenting. But first of all understand whether you are body or not. - That is the beginning of Bhagavad-gita
- You may be industrial administrator or engineer you make your profession perfect. And that perfection is achieved by satisfying the SPG by your profession. Just like Arjuna: He was a soldier. He knew how to fight. So by his profession he satisfied Krsna
- You may do your business. Just like Arjuna: Arjuna was doing his business. He was a fighter, ksatriya, but he did not forget his culture, hearing Gita from the master. That is culture