Chapter 2The Eternal Reality of the Soul's ImmortalityVerse 31

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Anvaya

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Commentaries of the Four Authorized Vaisnava Sampradayas

as confirmed in the Garga Samhita Canto 10, Chapter 61, Verses 23, 24, 25, 26
Rudra Vaisnava Sampradaya:


Visnuswami

Sridhara Swami's Commentary

Arjuna is being instructed that he should not hesitate in carrying out his duty as a warrior. Just because there is no destruction for the eternal soul. He should without hesitation slay these miscreants who have perpetrated heinous offences. Arjuna stated in chapter one, verse thirty- one that he saw no benefit in slaying kinsman. That argument is now nullified because for a ksatriya there is no better fight than for the sake of righteousness which is in conformity with the Vedic scriptures.

Brahma Vaisnava Sampradaya:


Madhvacarya
There is no commentary for this verse.

Sri Vaisnava Sampradaya:


Ramanuja

Ramanuja's Commentary

The virtuous war the Supreme Lord Krishna is instructing Arjuna about would be recorded in the Mahabharata as the Battle of Kuruksetra. Because it involves such great sacrifices of life it should be regarded as within the sphere of a ksatriya's legitimate duties the same as a Agnisomiyam which is the performance of sacrifice to Agni and Soma. Understanding that it is to his merit as a ksatriya to fight this battle Arjuna can have no cause for regret. According to the ksatriya code of ethics no infringement has been enacted by Arjuna or his brothers the Pandava's and so dharma or righteousness is with them. There is no action more meritorious for a ksatriya then to fight for righteousness. The qualities to be found in a ksatriya are heroism, exuberance, determination, resourcefulness, bravery in battle, generosity and leadership. That those slain in battle obtain illustrious heavenly bodies and win other rewards in heavenly spheres has already been mentioned.

Kumara Vaisnava Sampradaya:


Nimbaditya

Kesava Kasmiri's Commentary

Having established the fact that it is not intelligent to lament about the soul of any living entity, Lord Krishna subsequently responds to Arjunas supplication of what is in his highest good with the word svadharmam or principles of righteousness. Not only considering the nature of the soul but one's duty is indicated here as well. Lord Krishna is emphasising this to Arjuna so that he will follow his duty as a ksatriya and act like a warrior. For to act contrary and hesitate or waver is not in accordance with ksatriya code according to Vedic scriptures and such a deviation by Arjuna would be considered an act of unrighteousness. What then is duty? Righteousness is duty which is not separate from those who are righteous. For a ksatriya there is nothing more welcome then the oppurtunity to fight a battle to protect righteousness. As it is stated in Yagnavalkya that the steps taken in warfare are as sacrifices themselves for those who do not turn their backs from battle even though wounded. It is to be understood that Arjunas previous lamentations such as feeling sympathy for his relatives in battle arrayed against him, his body shaking and his hair standing on end, his mind reeling and his loss of equilibrium are all unfavorable to him in executing his duty and thus are not appropriate in this situation.

Thus ends commentaries of chapter 2, verse 31 of the Srimad Bhagavad-Gita.

Verse 31


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