BG 2.35
The great warriors will think you have fled out of fear. Those who hold you in high esteem will no longer do so.
येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम्
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bhayād — out of fear
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raṇād — from the battlefield
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uparataṁ — have fled
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mansyante — will think
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tvāṁ — you
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mahā-rathāḥ — excellent warriors
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mahā — great, excellent
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rathāḥ — warriors
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yeṣhāṁ — for whom
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cha — and
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tvaṁ — you
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bahu-mato — highly esteemed
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bahu — abundant, great
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mato — esteemed
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bhūtvā — having been
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yāsyasi — you will lose
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lāghavam — decreased in value
On the other hand, refusing to fight in this righteous war is a sinful act, a dereliction of your duty, and will destroy your reputation. People will always remember your dishonor. For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death. The great warriors will think you have fled out of fear. Those who hold you in high esteem will no longer do so. Your enemies will use harsh words to defame you further. What could be more painful than this? If you are slain, you will attain heaven. If you win, you will enjoy a kingdom on Earth. Therefore, stand up and fight with determination. Happiness and sadness, gain and loss, victory and defeat - all should be treated alike. In this way, you will never be acting sinfully when fighting.
Similar verses
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Therefore, arise and win glory. Conquer your foes, and enjoy the princely pleasures. I have already slain your foes - you are but a mere instrument in their destruction.
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People will always remember your dishonor. For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death.
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The hosts of celestial beings are surrendering before you and entering into you. Some of them, in fear, offer prayer by folded hands. Many great sages and perfected beings, hailing your name, praise you with great hymns.
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Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna, and all the other mighty warriors, have all been condemned to die by my hand. Fight them without fear in this great battle.
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The doors of heaven are wide open to such warriors, who rejoice to come across such a war.
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