Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 34 (BG 11.34) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 11.34 Here, the Blessed Lord Krishna assures Arjuna directly and in clear words that he should rise up and, through surrender to the divine will, attain success and glory. What matter how great the power and might of the unrighteous? The all-consuming force of Time has already slain them. Arjuna need only move forward, playing the role of a valiant warrior, and claim the crown of victory. "O ambidextrous archer, these have already been slain by Me—you are merely the instrument." In truth, every thoughtful person understands this fact: in life, one is but an instrument in the hands of the Divine. Yet ordinarily, we are unwilling to accept this truth, for our pride-filled ego does not easily surrender so that our pure divine nature might work through us with all its power. If we reflect upon the achievements gained in all fields of life, we shall discover that our contribution is infinitesimal and negligible compared to the contribution of Nature. At most, we can only combine or mix things that already exist, and through this combination, we can merely express the qualities inherent within them. Yet our pride insists that we have created that result—the radio, the aeroplane, the engine, life-saving medicines. In short, this entire modern world and its achievements are nothing but the play of children sitting in the lap of God. God has provided us with electricity, iron, space, air, and countless other things, and has granted us permission and freedom to use them. Without these fundamental elements, no achievement is possible, and achievement itself means the wise arrangement of things provided by God. One should not regard the principles of serving the world through surrender and constant remembrance of God as mere fanciful notions devised to escape from the material reality of the world. To succeed through skillful action in the world, one must elevate one's abilities and nature. Unbroken remembrance of God is the means by which we can keep our mind ever filled with tireless enthusiasm and joyful inspiration. For the egotistical person, the world becomes a burden or a problem. To the extent that the ego dedicates itself to some great and noble ideal, to that extent does the world and its achievements become easy to attain—a game of certain success. The Gita has already made clear in many places that through the surrender of ego, the greater capacities within us can be expressed. That same thought is repeated here. The entire army is invited to play its role of valor. Let them become instruments in God's hands and receive the royal crown and glory as their reward. Arjuna harbored special fear of certain principal and eminent warriors on the Kaurava side. Here, the Lord mentions them by name and tells him that these valiant men too have already been slain by all-devouring Time. Dronacharya was Arjuna's teacher, who had instructed him in the science of archery. He possessed certain special weapons, and Arjuna held him in particular reverence and respect. Bhishma, the grandsire, had been blessed with the boon of death at his own choosing, and he too possessed exceedingly powerful celestial weapons. Once he had even defeated the great Parashurama. Jayadratha's invincibility was due to the austerity performed by his father, who had made a firm resolve that whoever caused his son Jayadratha's head to fall to the earth would himself have his head fall. Karna was feared because he too had obtained celestial weapons from Indra. From these reasons, it is clear why the Lord specifically mentioned these four men. These great warriors too had become the prey of Time; therefore, Arjuna should advance toward the royal throne and become the master of all glory. It is natural that when a person's intense desire is fulfilled, he suddenly begins to praise and glorify his merciful protector.

11.34 द्रोणम् Drona? च and? भीष्मम् Bhishma? च and? जयद्रथम् Jayadratha? च and? कर्णम् Karna? तथा also? अन्यान् others? अपि also? योधवीरान् brave warriors? मया by Me? हतान् slain? त्वम् thou? जहि do kill? मा not? व्यथिष्ठाः be distressed with fear? युध्यस्व fight? जेतासि shall coner? रणे in the battle? सपत्नान् the enemies.Commentary Already slain by Me Therefore? O Arjuna? you need not be afraid of incurring sin by killing them.Drona had celestial weapons. He was Arjunas teacher in the science of archery. He was Arjunas beloved and greatest Guru. Bhishma also possessed celetial weapons. He could die only if and when he wanted to die. He once faught singlehanded with Lord Parasurama and was not defeated. So powerful was he.The father of Jayadratha performed penance with a resolve the head of the man who may cause the head of my son to fall on the ground? shall also fall. During the war? however? Arjunas arrow cuts the head and drops it on the lap of the father who? inadvertently? makes it fall on the ground he too dies at once. Karna? the son of the Sungod? had obtained an unerring missile from Indra.