Verse 2.37
Speaker: Krishna
Sanskrit
हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम्। तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hato vā prāpsyasi svargaṁ jitvā vā bhokṣyase mahīm tasmād uttiṣṭha kaunteya yuddhāya kṛta-niścayaḥ
Word-by-Word Meanings
hataḥ-slain
svargam-heaven
jitvā-having conquered
mahīm-the earth
uttiṣṭha-arise
Translation
If slain, you will attain heaven; if victorious, you will enjoy the earth. Therefore, arise, O son of Kunti, resolved to fight.
Commentary
Krishna presents a win-win scenario: death in righteous battle leads to heaven, victory leads to earthly enjoyment. Either outcome is favorable. The command 'uttiṣṭha' (arise) echoes verse 2.3 and will be repeated at the Gita's climax in Chapter 11.
Themes
dharmadutykarma