Verse 46
Yadi mām apratīkāram aśastraṁ śastrapāṇayaḥ
Dhārtarāṣṭrā raṇe hanyus tan me kṣemataraṁ bhavet
Word-by-Word Meaning:
- Yadi — If
- Mām — Me
- Apratīkāram — Not retaliating / Unresisting
- Aśastram — Unarmed
- Śastrapāṇayaḥ — Armed with weapons
- Dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ — The sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra (Kauravas)
- Raṇe — In battle
- Hanyuḥ — Should kill
- Tat — That
- Me — For me
- Kṣemataraṁ — More beneficial / More auspicious / Safer
- Bhavet — Would be / Would become
“If the armed sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra were to kill me unresisting and unarmed on the battlefield, even that would be more beneficial for me.”
Expanded Meaning:
This verse marks the culmination of Arjuna’s emotional collapse. After a series of arguments against the war — based on family destruction, social ruin, and spiritual downfall — Arjuna concludes that even dying helplessly at the hands of the enemy would be better than fighting and killing his own kin.
He imagines himself unarmed and passive, not as a coward, but as someone consciously choosing nonviolence (ahiṁsā) over participation in what he now sees as a sinful war. The term “kṣemataraṁ” is crucial here — implying not just physical safety, but spiritual well-being and inner peace.
Contextual Analysis:
- Apratīkāram aśastram — Unresisting and Unarmed
Arjuna declares his total withdrawal from battle. He is ready to renounce the Kshatriya’s dharma of warfare and allow himself to be slain without protest. - Śastrapāṇayaḥ Dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ — Armed Sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra
His opponents are prepared and armed — the imagery shows contrast between aggression and surrender, adharma and sacrifice. - Tan me kṣemataraṁ bhavet — That Would Be Better For Me
Arjuna isn’t seeking physical survival; he’s seeking kṣema, a state of peace, spiritual safety, and righteousness. He sees non-violence as the nobler choice, even if it means death.
Philosophical Interpretation:
- Ahiṁsā Over Dharma?
Arjuna seems to place nonviolence above even his warrior duty, challenging traditional dharma. This moment reveals the complexity of ethical dilemmas — when two dharmas collide, how does one choose? - Self-Sacrifice Over Victory
This verse introduces the concept of tyāga — renunciation. Arjuna is willing to renounce victory, honor, and even life, to avoid committing sin. - Kṣema as Spiritual Safety
In Vedantic tradition, “kṣema” refers to the well-being of the soul, not just the body. Arjuna is prioritizing moksha-mārga (path to liberation) over pravṛtti-mārga (path of action). - Arjuna’s Descent into Despair
While noble in appearance, Arjuna’s words also show overwhelming tamas (darkness or inertia). He is paralyzed by fear, sorrow, and moral confusion — symbolizing the need for spiritual guidance, which Krishna soon provides.
Spiritual Symbolism:
| Symbol | Inner Meaning |
|---|---|
| Apratīkāram | Letting go of ego’s reactive tendencies |
| Aśastram | Renunciation of violence and aggression |
| Śastrapāṇayaḥ | The aggressive, materialistic forces within us |
| Raṇe | The battlefield of life and inner conflict |
| Kṣemataraṁ | Inner peace, soul-safety, long-term spiritual good |
Modern-Day Relevance:
This verse offers a profound lesson in the courage of conscience:
- Sometimes not acting, when action causes harm, is a form of deeper strength.
- In a world that celebrates aggression and domination, Arjuna models introspection and humility.
- This resonates with civil disobedience movements like those of Mahatma Gandhi, where unarmed resistance was seen as a higher moral ground than violent retaliation.
Examples today include:
- Choosing to walk away from toxic conflicts rather than “win” at any cost.
- Resisting the urge to harm others even when we feel provoked.
- Sacrificing success or profit when it goes against our core values.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever felt that not fighting was the braver thing to do?
Do you believe that spiritual well-being is more important than victory or pride?
When faced with conflicting duties, how do you decide which path to take?
What does “kṣema” mean in your life — peace of mind, moral clarity, or something else?
Conclusion:
Arjuna, in this final verse before surrendering to Krishna, reaches the lowest point of his inner battle. His declaration is not cowardice, but a desperate cry for clarity. He is ready to abandon his weapons, even his life, if it means avoiding sin.
Yet, this moment of complete vulnerability becomes the turning point of the Bhagavad Gita. From here, Krishna begins his divine counsel. Arjuna’s breakdown becomes the gateway to spiritual transformation.
This verse reminds us:
Sometimes the path to wisdom begins where strength gives way to sincerity.