We do not know which is better for us: to fight or not to fight. We do not even know whether we will conquer them or they us. The sons of Dhritarashtra stand before us, and we do not wish to live after killing them.
— Arjuna
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Bhagavad Gita · 2.6
Hindi · हिन्दी
हम यह भी नहीं जानते कि हमलोगोंके लिये युद्ध करना और न करना इन दोनोंमेंसे कौनसा अत्यन्त श्रेष्ठ है और हमें इसका भी पता नहीं है कि हम उन्हें जीतेंगे अथवा वे हमें जीतेंगे । जिनको मारकर हम जीना भी नहीं चाहते, वे ही धृतराष्ट्रके सम्बन्धी हमारे सामने खड़े हैं ॥
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
नnotचandएतत्thisविद्मःwe knowकतरत्which of the twoनःfor usगरीयःbetterयत् वाor whichजयेमwe would conquerयदि वाor whetherनःusजयेयुःthey would conquerयान्those whomएवindeedहत्वाhaving killedनnotजिजीविषामःwe wish to liveतेtheyअवस्थिताःstandingप्रमुखेin frontधार्तराष्ट्राःsons of Dhritarashtra
Read literallynot · and · this · we know · which of the two · for us · better · or which · we would conquer · or whether · us · they would conquer · those whom · indeed · having killed · not · we wish to live · they · standing · in front · sons of Dhritarashtra
Understanding the verse
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Arjuna admits he cannot tell whether fighting or not fighting is better, or which side would win.
01
In plain words
What this verse means
Arjuna admits complete uncertainty. He cannot tell whether fighting or not fighting is the better choice, and he cannot bear the thought of killing relatives who stand before him.
02
On the battlefield
Context & commentary
Arjuna stands between two armies with his bow lowered. After seeing teachers, elders, and kin on both sides, he no longer knows what is right. This verse deepens his breakdown before he asks Krishna for clear guidance.
03
In your life
What it looks like today
Children deciding whether to move an ageing mother into a care home often cannot say which choice is better. Arjuna is that honest: he does not know whether fighting or refusing is right.
The takeaway
“It is a relief to name confusion honestly before forcing a choice.”
Arjuna admits complete uncertainty. He cannot tell whether fighting or not fighting is the better choice, and he cannot bear the thought of killing relatives who stand before him.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 2.6?
Arjuna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Sankhya Yoga" (The Yoga of Knowledge).
Which chapter of the Bhagavad Gita contains verse 2.6?
Verse 6 sits in Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita — Sankhya Yoga, "The Yoga of Knowledge". The chapter has 72 verses in total.
Why does Bhagavad Gita 2.6 matter today?
Children deciding whether to move an ageing mother into a care home often cannot say which choice is better. Arjuna is that honest: he does not know whether fighting or refusing is right.
Arjuna admits he cannot tell whether fighting or not fighting is better, or which side would win.
What this verse means
Arjuna admits complete uncertainty. He cannot tell whether fighting or not fighting is the better choice, and he cannot bear the thought of killing relatives who stand before him.
Context & commentary
Arjuna stands between two armies with his bow lowered. After seeing teachers, elders, and kin on both sides, he no longer knows what is right. This verse deepens his breakdown before he asks Krishna for clear guidance.
What it looks like today
Children deciding whether to move an ageing mother into a care home often cannot say which choice is better. Arjuna is that honest: he does not know whether fighting or refusing is right.
“It is a relief to name confusion honestly before forcing a choice.”
Explore related themes: kurukshetra (95 verses)