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Bhagavad Gita 2.4

Arjuna asks how he can shoot arrows at Bhishma and Drona, who deserve his reverence.

कथं भीष्ममहं संख्ये द्रोणं च मधुसूदन।
इषुभिः प्रतियोत्स्यामि पूजार्हावरिसूदन॥

kathaṃ bhīṣmam ahaṃ saṃkhye droṇaṃ ca madhusūdana
iṣubhiḥ pratiyotsyāmi pūjārhāv arisūdana

Translation

Arjuna said, "Madhusudana, how can I aim arrows in battle at Bhishma and Drona? These two are the ones I ought to be honouring."

Hindi

अर्जुन बोले, "मधुसूदन, मैं युद्ध में भीष्म और द्रोण पर बाण कैसे चला सकता हूँ? ये दोनों तो मेरे लिए पूजनीय हैं।"

Commentary

Arjuna names the two people he reveres most, Bhishma and Drona. His objection is personal before it is philosophical. He is not afraid of the fight, he is unwilling to turn his weapons on his elders. He builds the case in 2.5.

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