Some people allege that Arjuna was a pacifist who was incited to fight by Krishna through the Gita’s message. 

Was Arjuna a pacifist? Yes, in the sense that he knew well the costs of war, therefore, he always sought to resolve conflicts by peaceful means first. No, in the sense that he didn’t naively think that war should be avoided at all costs. 

Arjuna’s disposition may be described best as a realist; he knew how the real world worked. Sometimes, power-hungry people or even downright evil people are bent on fighting for their nefarious purposes, and war is the only way to deal with them. In such situations, the cost of not fighting is far greater than fighting. The destruction, exploitation and oppression they would unfurl if they gained power would be far worse than whatever sacrifice is required to resist and repel them. And one essential way to deal with such people is deterrence: to have the skills and resources to punish them forcefully if they dare to attack. As is often said in geopolitics, the best way to ensure peace is to always be ready for war. 

To that end of preserving peace in society, Arjuna had been trained since his childhood in various martial skills. He belonged to a long, illustrious line of kshatriyas, and he was their worthy scion. By his talent and commitment, he had become a peerless archer. And during his life, he had unflinchingly fought whenever he had been convinced that the fight was for a justified and virtuous cause. 

Then why had he flinched at Kurukshetra? Because, on seeing his venerable elders ready to fight to death, he had become doubtful that the cost of fighting might be more than the cost of not fighting (02.05). Hence, his refusal to fight (02.09).

One-sentence summary: 

Arjuna was unwilling to fight not because he was a naive pacifist, but because his observations left him unsure whether fighting the Kurukshetra war was the right thing to do. 

Think it over: 

  • Why does the describer fit or not fit Arjuna? What describer fits better? 
  • How can readiness for war promote peace? 
  • Why did Arjuna flinch before the fight at Kurukshetra? 

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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.

 

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