सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ। ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि
Krishna mentions pleasure and pain, gain and loss, and victory and defeat as pairs of opposites. He tells Arjuna to treat all these equally before preparing for battle.
Responsibility may involve discomfort, but the battlefield setting is not a blanket instruction to fight every disagreement. Identify the obligation, the people affected, and a proportionate response.
What would a responsible and non-harmful response look like here?
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In Chapter 2, Verse 38, who advises Arjuna to fight without considering victory or defeat, and why?
Krishna is the one advising Arjuna to fight without being concerned about victory or defeat. He explains that acting with equanimity will keep Arjuna free from sin.
What does it mean to treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, and victory and defeat equally, as Krishna instructs?
Treating these opposites equally means maintaining a balanced mind regardless of the outcome. Krishna urges Arjuna to let go of attachment to results, so his actions remain pure and unaffected by personal desires.
Why does Krishna say that Arjuna will not incur sin if he fights with an even mind toward gain and loss?
Krishna teaches that actions performed without attachment, and with a steady mind, do not bind a person to sin. If Arjuna fights simply out of duty, without selfish motives, he rises above the dualities of right and wrong.
How can one apply the teaching of remaining impartial to success and failure in daily life?
One can practice detachment from outcomes by focusing on sincere effort and letting go of anxiety about results. By developing equanimity in all situations, a person acts without fear or pride, finding inner peace regardless of success or failure.
Taking as equal pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat, gird thee for the battle; thus thou shalt not incur sin.
What do “thy” and “thou” mean?
“Thy” means “your”; “thou” and “thee” mean “you”; “thine” means “yours.” This historical translation is preserved as published.