Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha Dipika)

by Ramchandra Keshav Bhagwat | 1954 | 284,137 words | ISBN-10: 8185208123 | ISBN-13: 9788185208121

This is verse 2.36 of the Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha-Dipika), the English translation of 13th-century Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita.—The Dnyaneshwari (Jnaneshwari) brings to light the deeper meaning of the Gita which represents the essence of the Vedic Religion. This is verse 36 of the chapter called Samkhya-Yoga.

Verse 2.36: “Many a word unutterable will they utter: thy enemies, slandering thy valour. What indeed more painful than that? (208)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

They will shout “Arjuna got frightened and went away.” Is it an honourable thing to leave behind such a slur on your name? O Dhanurdhara, people carry on with a hard struggle and at times even sacrifice their lives, and leave a good name behind. You have easily and without effort won this fame, which is as unique and without a parallel, O Partha, as the sky. All the three worlds resound with your uncomparable fame and heroic qualities. The kings of all the countries ever sing your praise on hearing which, even the God of death and others are overawed; so compact and pure is your fame like the waters of the Ganges, seeing which all the brave in the universe get inspiration. Hearing of your extra-ordinary bravery all the Kauravas have lost all hope of their own life. Just as the wild elephants feel the terror of death on hearing the roaring of the lion, even so do all the Kauravas feel in mortal terror of you. Just as the mountain trembles before the thunderbolt (a weapon of Indra) or as a serpent is to an eagle, in the same way they all consider themselves in regard to yourself. If you now return without giving a fight, you will be jeopardising all your great name and will, on the contrary, degrade yourself to the most abject position. (They) will not allow you to run, but will capture you and humiliate you. Then they will, without limit, utter the worst calumnies to your face, which will pierce your heart. Why not then fight bravely and enjoy the kingdom of the world?

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: