न चैतद्विद्मः कतरन्नो गरीयोयद्वा जयेम यदि वा नो जयेयुः ।
यानेव हत्वा न जिजीविषामस्तेऽवस्थिताः प्रमुखे धार्तराष्ट्राः ॥
यानेव हत्वा न जिजीविषामस्तेऽवस्थिताः प्रमुखे धार्तराष्ट्राः ॥
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 ॥
English
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.
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
On Kurukshetra, 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.
Why this verse still matters
You are holding your phone after a message that could end a relationship, and your thumb freezes. One choice may hurt either way, and you finally admit you cannot sort it alone.
The takeaway
It is a relief to name confusion honestly before forcing a choice.
Word-by-word translation
न (not) / च (and) / एतत् (this) / विद्मः (we know) / कतरत् (which of the two) / नः (for us) / गरीयः (better) / यत् वा (or which) / जयेम (we would conquer) / यदि वा (or whether) / नः (us) / जयेयुः (they would conquer) / यान् (those whom) / एव (indeed) / हत्वा (having killed) / न (not) / जिजीविषामः (we wish to live) / ते (they) / अवस्थिताः (standing) / प्रमुखे (in front) / धार्तराष्ट्राः (sons of Dhritarashtra)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga — The Yoga of Knowledge, which contains 72 verses.
Explore related themes: kurukshetra (95 verses)