स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि।
धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाछ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते।।2.31।।
।।2.31।।अपने धर्मको देखकर भी तुम्हें विकम्पित अर्थात् कर्तव्यकर्मसे विचलित नहीं होना चाहिये क्योंकि धर्ममय युद्धसे बढ़कर क्षत्रियके लिये दूसरा कोई कल्याणकारक कर्म नहीं है।
The virtuous war the Supreme Lord Krishna is instructing Arjuna about would be recorded in the Mahabharata as the Battle of Kuruksetra. Because it involves such great sacrifices of life it should be regarded as within the sphere of a ksatriyas legitimate duties the same as a Agnisomiyam which is the performance of sacrifice to Agni and Soma. Understanding that it is to his merit as a ksatriya to fight this battle Arjuna can have no cause for regret. According to the ksatriya code of ethics no infringement has been enacted by Arjuna or his brothers the Pandavas and so dharma or righteousness is with them. There is no action more meritorious for a ksatriya then to fight for righteousness. The qualities to be found in a ksatriya are heroism, exuberance, determination, resourcefulness, bravery in battle, generosity and leadership. That those slain in battle obtain illustrious heavenly bodies and win other rewards in heavenly spheres has already been mentioned.
