It would be better for me that the sons of Dhritarashtra, armed as they are, should slay me as I am, unarmed and unresisting.

Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Chapter 1, Verse 46

 

yadi mām apratīkāram 

aśastraṁ śastra-pāṇayaḥ 

dhārtarāṣṭrā ran‌e hanyus 

tan-me kṣemataraṁ bhavet

 

It would be better for me that the sons of Dhritarashtra, armed as they are,  

should slay me as I am, unarmed and unresisting.

 

Even before the war has started, Arjuna says, “I will give up my arms. I will not  

fight. I will offer myself as a sacrifice to the opposition. I offer myself unarmed to them, unresisting. If they kill me, such a death will be a blessing for me. And we will not get the sin of slaying the family or killing the sons of Dhritarashtra. If they kill me first, there will be no war; the war will end now. This will save the lives of our friends  

and family.”

This is the supreme state of sacrifice, sacrificing oneself for the sake of others. That is what Christ also teaches , “A true friend will give his life for the sake of a friend.” Arjuna feels this out of compassion, not out of weakness. For it is due to compassion that we all have a relationship with each other. Due to this compassion, Arjuna says, “I will offer myself. And if I offer myself, if I sacrifice myself, it will also create good punya and I will attain heaven.” He knows that the Lord of lords is sitting in front of him, that he is talking to the Lord of lords. But the mind of one in that state doesn’t perceive clearly. That’s why Krishna remains quiet and thinks, “It’s of no use talking to him now.”

 

Still Arjuna continues, “At least my mind will be at peace.” If he gives himself to them, it will appease the army of the Kauravas. If he goes there without resistance, it will bring good punya, good blessing to the family. It will be a great act of heroism. 

 Later on Krishna puts him down saying, “What heroism are you talking about? This is cowardice!” 

 

Sanjaya has been narrating all this. He looks at Arjuna who is in complete depression and has terrible chaos inside himself. Sanjaya is very eager to hear what the Lord, Bhagavan Krishna, will say to Arjuna.

Bhagavad Gita