Verse 2.31

Verse 2.31: “Having regard even for thine own Dharma (Duty), thou dost not do well to waver; for except righteous fight, there exists not, for a Kshatriya (warrior), another greater Good. (180)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

Why do you not even now weigh the matter properly? Why do you get obsessed with such ideas? Why are you remiss about your own duty in this situation, which is the only proper course of action. Even if the Kauravas fare worst, or some calamity befalls you, or the whole universe is deluged suddenly, still you ought not to abandon your own religious duty. Will you find your salvation by surrendering to pity on this great occasion? O Arjuna, allowing your mind to be served with pity is not proper on the very verge of war. Just see that the milk of the cow which is food proves a poison if forcibly administered in a pneumonic case, wherein it is prohibited. You should therefore be cautious, since the moral good is in danger, if men appointed to a duty do the wrong thing; why then bewail in vain?

Just consider, you would never be liable to be blamed if you followed your Kshatriya religion (duty as a member of warriorrace). Just as no harm is likely to befall by walking over a straight levelled road or no obstruction by carrying a lamp, in the same way O Partha, all wishes get automatically fulfilled by doing one’s duty properly. So I say to you that the duty proper for you Kshatriyas (Warring race) is nothing else but warfare. You should perceive it directly, and hence there is no need to tell you that in the battle-field you should be exchanging blows without harbouring any malicious feelings.