30. How to Make Wiser Decisions & Right Actions – Bhagavad Gita, CH2, Verse 35-37

Bhagavad Gita Advanced Lessons for the Western Mind

Chapter 2, Verse 35: Avoiding battle due to fear will cause warriors to lose respect for Arjuna. A damaged reputation persists across roles. When highly esteemed, perceived falls become more memorable as people judge visible actions over invisible reasoning. The right action should align with core values and samanya-dharma, coming from strength rather than approval-seeking. Verse essence: Retreating from duty leads to loss of reputation among those who once held you in high regard.

Chapter 2, Verse 36: Those in power control narratives, using retreat to serve their interests. Backing down affects not just personal reputation but impacts mentors and supporters. The solution lies in performing necessary actions, which provide feedback opportunities and intellectual refinement. Verse essence: Enemies will speak ill of your capabilities when you abandon your duty.

Chapter 2, Verse 37: Dharmic action guarantees positive outcomes: death in duty leads to svarga, while victory brings earthly rewards. The battlefield represents various life conflicts – workplace, family, or internal. Rising to action symbolizes internal transformation and acting on new understanding. Verse essence: Whether victory or death, performing one's duty leads to positive outcomes – either heavenly or earthly rewards.

See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/