BG 2.38

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.

सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ
ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि

sukha-duḥkhe — happiness and sorrow
- sukha — happiness, pleasure
- duḥkhe — sorrow, pain
same — alike
same kṛitvā—treating alike
kṛitvā — treating
lābhālābhau — gain and loss
lābha-alābhau—gain and loss
jayājayau — victory and defeat
jaya-ajayau—victory and defeat
tato — thereafter
tataḥ
yuddhāya — for fighting
yujyasva — engage
naivaṁ — thus never
- na — never
- evam — thus
pāpam — sin
avāpsyasi — shall incur

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.

[33]

People will always remember your dishonor. For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death.

[34]

The great warriors will think you have fled out of fear. Those who hold you in high esteem will no longer do so.

[35]

Your enemies will use harsh words to defame you further. What could be more painful than this?

[36]

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.

[37]

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.

[38]

Summary