Responsibility — Lesson 1

Verse

Transliteration

svadharmam api cāvekṣya na vikampitum arhasi
dharmyād dhi yuddhāc chreyo'nyat kṣatriyasya na vidyate

Meaning

Considering your own duty, you should not hesitate. For a warrior, there is nothing higher than a righteous battle.

Key Words

• svadharma — one’s own role and responsibility
• avekṣya — considering clearly
• na vikampitum — not to waver
• dharmyāt — righteous
• śreyaḥ — higher good

Teaching

Krishna now shifts from knowledge to action. Even with clarity, one cannot avoid action. The question is: how should one act? The answer is: according to one’s role. Arjuna is a warrior. In this situation, his responsibility is clear. Avoiding action due to emotion or confusion is not wisdom. Right action must be based on understanding, not impulse.

Connection to Responsibility

Responsibility means responding appropriately to the situation we are in. Each person has roles — as a parent, professional, citizen, individual. These roles bring responsibilities. Acting according to them is living in alignment with dharma.

Reflection

What are my roles in life? In a difficult situation, do I act based on clarity, or avoid action due to discomfort?