{"product_id":"the-bhagavadgita-isbn-9780553213652","title":"The Bhagavad-Gita","description":"\u003ci\u003eThe Bhagavad-Gita\u003c\/i\u003e has been an essential text of Hindu culture in India since the time of its composition in the first century A.D.  One of the great classics of world literature, it has inspired such diverse thinkers as Henry David Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi, and T.S. Eliot; most recently, it formed the core of Peter Brook's celebrated production of the \u003ci\u003eMahabharata\u003c\/i\u003e.THE FIRST TEACHING\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eARJUNA'S DEJECTION\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDhritarashtra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSanjaya, tell me what my sons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand the sons of Pandu did when they met,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewanting to battle on the field of Kuru,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eon the field of sacred duty? 1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSanjaya\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYour son Duryodhana, the king,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eseeing the Pandava forces arrayed,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eapproached his teacher Drona\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand spoke in command. 2\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"My teacher, see\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe great Pandava army arrayed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eby Drupada's son,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyour pupil, intent on revenge. 3\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere are heroes, mighty archers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eequal to Bhima and Arjuna in warfare,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYuyudhana, Virata, and Drupada,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyour sworn foe on his great chariot. 4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere too are Dhrishtaketu, Cekitana,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand the brave king of Benares;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePurujit, Kuntibhoja,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand the manly king of the Shibis. 5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYudhamanyu is bold,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand Uttamaujas is brave;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe sons of Subhadra and Draupadi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eall command great chariots. 6\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNow, honored priest, mark\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe superb men on our side\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eas I tell you the names\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof my army's leaders. 7\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are you and Bhishma,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKarna and Kripa, a victor in battles,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyour own son Ashvatthama,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVikarna, and the son of Somadatta. 8\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany other heroes also risk\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003etheir lives for my sake,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebearing varied weapons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand skilled in the ways of war. 9\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGuarded by Bhishma, the strength\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof our army is without limit;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebut the strength of their army,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eguarded by Bhima, is limited. 10\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn all the movements of battle,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou and your men,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003estationed according to plan,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003emust guard Bhishma well!\" 11\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBhishma, fiery elder of the Kurus,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eroared his lion's roar\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand blew his conch horn,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eexciting Duryodhana's delight. 12\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConches and kettledrums,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ecymbals, tabors, and trumpets\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewere sounded at once\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand the din of tumult arose. 13\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStanding on their great chariot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyoked with white stallions,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna and Arjuna, Pandu's son,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003esounded their divine conches. 14\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna blew Pancajanya, won from a demon;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna blew Devadatta, a gift of the gods;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efierce wolf-bellied Bhima blew Paundra,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis great conch of the east. 15\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYudhishthira, Kunti's son, the king,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eblew Anantavijaya, conch of boundless victory;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis twin brothers Nakula and Sahadeva\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eblew conches resonant and jewel toned. 16\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe king of Benares, a superb archer,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand Shikhandin on his great chariot,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrishtadyumna, Virata, and indomitable Satyaki,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eall blew their conches. 17\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrupada, with his five grandsons,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand Subhadra's strong-armed son,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eeach in his turn blew\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003etheir conches, O King. 18\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe noise tore the hearts\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof Dhritarashtra's sons,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand tumult echoed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethrough heaven and earth. 19\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna, his war flag a rampant monkey,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003esaw Dhritarashtra's sons assembled\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eas weapons were ready to clash,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand he lifted his bow. 20\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe told his charioteer:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Krishna,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehalt my chariot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebetween the armies! 21\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFar enough for me to see\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethese men who lust for war,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eready to fight with me\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein the strain of battle. 22\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI see men gathered here,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eeager to fight,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebent on serving the folly\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof Dhritarashtra's son.\" 23\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen Arjuna had spoken,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna halted\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003etheir splendid chariot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebetween the armies. 24\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFacing Bhishma and Drona\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand all the great kings,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehe said, \"Arjuna, see\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe Kuru men assembled here!\" 25\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna saw them standing there:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efathers, grandfathers, teachers,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003euncles, brothers, sons,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003egrandsons, and friends. 26\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe surveyed his elders\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand companions in both armies,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eall his kinsmen\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eassembled together. 27\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDejected, filled with strange pity,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehe said this:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Krishna, I see my kinsmen\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003egathered here, wanting war. 28\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMy limbs sink,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003emy mouth is parched,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003emy body trembles,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe hair bristles on my flesh. 29\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe magic bow slips\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efrom my hand, my skin burns,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI cannot stand still,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003emy mind reels. 30\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI see omens of chaos,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna; I see no good\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein killing my kinsmen\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein battle. 31\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna, I seek no victory,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eor kingship or pleasures.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat use to us are kingship,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003edelights, or life itself? 32\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe sought kingship, delights,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand pleasures for the sake of those\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eassembled to abandon their lives\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand fortunes in battle. 33\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are teachers, fathers, sons,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand grandfathers, uncles, grandsons,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efathers and brothers of wives,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand other men of our family. 34\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI do not want to kill them\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eeven if I am killed, Krishna;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003enot for kingship of all three worlds,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003emuch less for the earth! 35\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat joy is there for us, Krishna,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein killing Dhritarashtra's sons?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEvil will haunt us if we kill them,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethough their bows are drawn to kill. 36\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHonor forbids us to kill\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eour cousins, Dhritarashtra's sons;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehow can we know happiness\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eif we kill our own kinsmen? 37\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe greed that distorts their reason\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eblinds them to the sin they commit\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein ruining the family, blinds them\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eto the crime of betraying friends. 38\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow can we ignore the wisdom\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof turning from this evil\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen we see the sin\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof family destruction, Krishna? 39\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen the family is ruined,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe timeless laws of family duty\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eperish; and when duty is lost,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003echaos overwhelms the family. 40\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn overwhelming chaos, Krishna,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewomen of the family are corrupted;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand when women are corrupted,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003edisorder is born in society. 41\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis discord drags the violators\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand the family itself to hell;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efor ancestors fall when rites\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof offering rice and water lapse. 42\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sins of men who violate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe family create disorder in society\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethat undermines the constant laws\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof caste and family duty. 43\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna, we have heard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethat a place in hell\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eis reserved for men\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewho undermine family duties. 44\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI lament the great sin\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewe commit when our greed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efor kingship and pleasures\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003edrives us to kill our kinsmen. 45\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf Dhritarashtra's armed sons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ekill me in battle when I am unarmed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand offer no resistance,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eit will be my reward.\" 46\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSaying this in the time of war,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna slumped into the chariot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand laid down his bow and arrows,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis mind tormented by grief. 47\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTHE SECOND TEACHING\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePHILOSOPHY AND\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSanjaya\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna sat dejected,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efilled with pity,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis sad eyes blurred by tears.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna gave him counsel. 1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLord Krishna\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy this cowardice\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein time of crisis, Arjuna?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe coward is ignoble, shameful,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eforeign to the ways of heaven. 2\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon't yield to impotence!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is unnatural in you!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBanish this petty weakness from your heart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRise to the fight, Arjuna! 3\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna, how can I fight\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eagainst Bhishma and Drona\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewith arrows\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen they deserve my worship? 4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is better in this world\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eto beg for scraps of food\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethan to eat meals\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003esmeared with the blood\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof elders I killed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eat the height of their power\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhile their goals\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewere still desires. 5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe don't know which weight\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eis worse to bear--\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eour conquering them\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eor their conquering us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will not want to live\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eif we kill\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe sons of Dhritarashtra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eassembled before us. 6\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe flaw of pity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eblights my very being;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003econflicting sacred duties\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003econfound my reason.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI ask you to tell me\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003edecisively--Which is better?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI am your pupil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTeach me what I seek! 7\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI see nothing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethat could drive away\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe grief\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethat withers my senses;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eeven if I won kingdoms\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof unrivaled wealth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eon earth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand sovereignty over gods. 8\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSanjaya\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna told this\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eto Krishna--then saying,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I shall not fight,\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehe fell silent. 9\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMocking him gently,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna gave this counsel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eas Arjuna sat dejected,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebetween the two armies. 10\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLord Krishna\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou grieve for those beyond grief,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand you speak words of insight;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebut learned men do not grieve\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efor the dead or the living. 11\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNever have I not existed,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003enor you, nor these kings;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand never in the future\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eshall we cease to exist. 12\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust as the embodied self\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eenters childhood, youth, and old age,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eso does it enter another body;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethis does not confound a steadfast man. 13\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eContacts with matter make us feel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eheat and cold, pleasure and pain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna, you must learn to endure\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efleeting things--they come and go! 14\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen these cannot torment a man,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen suffering and joy are equal\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efor him and he has courage,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehe is fit for immortality. 15\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNothing of nonbeing comes to be,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003enor does being cease to exist;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe boundary between these two\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eis seen by men who see reality. 16\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIndestructible is the presence\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethat pervades all this;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eno one can destroy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethis unchanging reality. 17\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur bodies are known to end,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebut the embodied self is enduring,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eindestructible, and immeasurable;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003etherefore, Arjuna, fight the battle! 18\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe who thinks this self a killer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand he who thinks it killed,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eboth fail to understand;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eit does not kill, nor is it killed. 19\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is not born,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eit does not die;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehaving been,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eit will never not be;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eunborn, enduring,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003econstant, and primordial,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eit is not killed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen the body is killed. 20\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna, when a man knows the self\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eto be indestructible, enduring, unborn,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eunchanging, how does he kill\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eor cause anyone to kill? 21\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a man discards\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eworn-out clothes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eto put on new\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand different ones,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eso the embodied self\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ediscards\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eits worn-out bodies\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eto take on other new ones. 22\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWeapons do not cut it,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efire does not burn it,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewaters do not wet it,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewind does not wither it. 23\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt cannot be cut or burned;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eit cannot be wet or withered;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eit is enduring, all-pervasive,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efixed, immovable, and timeless. 24\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is called unmanifest,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003einconceivable, and immutable;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003esince you know that to be so,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou should not grieve! 25\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you think of its birth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand death as ever-recurring,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethen too, Great Warrior,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou have no cause to grieve! 26\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeath is certain for anyone born,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand birth is certain for the dead;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003esince the cycle is inevitable,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou have no cause to grieve! 27\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCreatures are unmanifest in origin,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003emanifest in the midst of life,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand unmanifest again in the end.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSince this is so, why do you lament? 28\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRarely someone\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003esees it,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003erarely another\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003espeaks it,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003erarely anyone\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehears it--\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eeven hearing it,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eno one really knows it. 29\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe self embodied in the body\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof every being is indestructible;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou have no cause to grieve\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efor all these creatures, Arjuna! 30\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLook to your own duty;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003edo not tremble before it;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003enothing is better for a warrior\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethan a battle of sacred duty. 31\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe doors of heaven open\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efor warriors who rejoice\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eto have a battle like this\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethrust on them by chance. 32\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you fail to wage this war\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof sacred duty,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou will abandon your own duty\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand fame only to gain evil. 33\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeople will tell\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof your undying shame,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand for a man of honor\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eshame is worse than death. 34\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe great chariot warriors will think\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou deserted in fear of battle;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou will be despised\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eby those who held you in esteem. 35\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYour enemies will slander you,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003escorning your skill\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein so many unspeakable ways--\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ecould any suffering be worse? 36\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you are killed, you win heaven;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eif you triumph, you enjoy the earth;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003etherefore, Arjuna, stand up\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand resolve to fight the battle! 37\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eImpartial to joy and suffering,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003egain and loss, victory and defeat,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003earm yourself for the battle,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003elest you fall into evil. 38\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnderstanding is defined in terms of philosophy;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003enow hear it in spiritual discipline.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArmed with this understanding, Arjuna,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou will escape the bondage of action. 39\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo effort in this world\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eis lost or wasted;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ea fragment of sacred duty\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003esaves you from great fear. 40\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis understanding is unique\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein its inner core of resolve;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ediffuse and pointless are the ways\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eirresolute men understand. 41\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUndiscerning men who delight\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein the tenets of ritual lore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eutter florid speech, proclaiming,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"There is nothing else!\" 42\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDriven by desire, they strive after heaven\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand contrive to win powers and delights,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebut their intricate ritual language\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebears only the fruit of action in rebirth. 43\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eObsessed with powers and delights,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003etheir reason lost in words,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethey do not find in contemplation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethis understanding of inner resolve. 44\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna, the realm of sacred lore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eis nature--beyond its triad of qualities,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003edualities, and mundane rewards,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebe forever lucid, alive to your self. 45\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the discerning priest,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eall of sacred lore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehas no more value than a well\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen water flows everywhere. 46\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBe intent on action,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003enot on the fruits of action;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eavoid attraction to the fruits\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand attachment to inaction! 47\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerform actions, firm in discipline,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003erelinquishing attachment;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ebe impartial to failure and success--\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethis equanimity is called discipline. 48\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna, action is far inferior\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eto the discipline of understanding;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eso seek refuge in understanding--pitiful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eare men drawn by fruits of action. 49\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisciplined by understanding,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eone abandons both good and evil deeds;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eso arm yourself for discipline--\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ediscipline is skill in actions. 50\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWise men disciplined by understanding\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003erelinquish the fruit born of action;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efreed from these bonds of rebirth,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethey reach a place beyond decay. 51\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen your understanding passes beyond\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe swamp of delusion,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eyou will be indifferent to all\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethat is heard in sacred lore. 52\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen your understanding turns\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efrom sacred lore to stand fixed,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eimmovable in contemplation,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethen you will reach discipline. 53\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArjuna\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrishna, what defines a man\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003edeep in contemplation whose insight\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand thought are sure? How would he speak?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow would he sit? How would he move? 54\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLord Krishna\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen he gives up desires in his mind,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eis content with the self within himself,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethen he is said to be a man\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhose insight is sure, Arjuna. 55\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen suffering does not disturb his mind,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen his craving for pleasures has vanished,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen attraction, fear, and anger are gone,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehe is called a sage whose thought is sure. 56\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen he shows no preference\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein fortune or misfortune\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand neither exults nor hates,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis insight is sure. 57\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen, like a tortoise retracting\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eits limbs, he withdraws his senses\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ecompletely from sensuous objects,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis insight is sure. 58\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSensuous objects fade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen the embodied self abstains from food;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe taste lingers, but it too fades\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein the vision of higher truth. 59\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEven when a man of wisdom\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003etries to control them, Arjuna,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethe bewildering senses\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eattack his mind with violence. 60\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eControlling them all,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewith discipline he should focus on me;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhen his senses are under control,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis insight is sure. 61\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrooding about sensuous objects\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003emakes attachment to them grow;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efrom attachment desire arises,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efrom desire anger is born. 62\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom anger comes confusion;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efrom confusion memory lapses;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efrom broken memory understanding is lost;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003efrom loss of understanding, he is ruined. 63\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut a man of inner strength\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewhose senses experience objects\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewithout attraction and hatred,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ein self-control, finds serenity. 64\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn serenity, all his sorrows\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003edissolve;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis reason becomes serene,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehis understanding sure. 65\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWithout discipline,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ehe has no understanding or inner power;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewithout inner power, he has no peace;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand without peace where is joy? 66\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf his mind submits to the play\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eof the senses,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ethey drive away insight,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eas wind drives a ship on water. 67","brand":"Bantam Classics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46300216361189,"sku":"NP9780553213652","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780553213652.jpg?v=1767738348","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/the-bhagavadgita-isbn-9780553213652","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}