Some people, especially those of a martial orientation, think that by refusing to fight when his army depended on him, Arjuna was acting irresponsibly — he had let his emotions come in the way of his duty when his entire army depended on him.
Actually however, it was Arjuna’s sense of responsibility that gave him cause for pause. To understand how, we can compare his predicament to that of an orthopedic surgeon who has to amputate several limbs of a critically ill patient as an essential part of a life-saving surgery. In such cases, amputation is prescribed by standard medical books; and in this particular case, other expert surgeons have acknowledged that surgery is the only way. Still, the surgeon has second thoughts right before the surgery: “Will the gain from the surgery really be greater than the loss?” If such concerns cause the surgeon to hesitate, then their hesitation shows their deep commitment to doing what is best for the patient.
Arjuna’s hesitation arose out of similar serious concerns. In situations similar to Arjuna’s, capital punishment of aggressors was mandated by scripture — and the opposite side was led by a serial aggressor, Duryodhana. Moreover, considering the Pandavas’ particular situation, several wise warriors had deliberately extensively and finally concluded that war with the unrepentant Kauravas was the only way to establish the rule of law in society. Still, Arjuna wanted to make sure that he was doing the right thing. If society were compared to a body, the death of the majority of the social leaders due to the war would be like the amputation of several important bodily limbs in a surgery. Would the social chaos that the war would prevent by removing aggressors from power actually be greater than the social chaos that the war would cause? Being unsure, Arjuna decided to abstain from fighting till he got greater clarity (02.09).
One-sentence summary:
When Arjuna hesitated to fight before the Kurukshetra war, his hesitation was not because he was going away from his duty, but because he was going beyond the call of his duty.
Think it over:
- Why was the Kurukshetra war being fought?
- Why did Arjuna have second thoughts before the Kurukshetra war?
- What does Arjuna’s hesitation tell us about his character?
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02.09: Sanjaya said: Having spoken thus, Arjuna, chastiser of enemies, told Krishna, “Govinda, I shall not fight,” and fell silent.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
HK DP . The pictorial depiction helps in better understanding
Thanks; yes, a team of volunteers is slowly being assembled to make these depictions for each fresh article.
determination only wins battle
Hare Krishna CC Prabhu,
I came to know you through your latest visit at Iskcon Detroit. I was there at the temple when you visited temple. Before your visit I didnt know who you were but when they introduced you and the service you have been doing, I got instantly attentive and that is how I am here.
Thank you so much for such beautiful service Prabhu. Nothing like starting a day with a Gita verse from a devotee’s perspective. Jai Srila Prabhupada!
Thanks, Mayank P, for your comment; happy to be of service.