The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse chapter within the ancient Indian epic महाभारत - The Mahabharata, one of the **शास्त्र** Śāstra - Hindu Scriptures, consisting of a conversation between prince Arjuna and the god कृष्ण Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. This dialogue addresses complex moral and philosophical issues, providing guidance on how to live a righteous life, fulfill one's duties, and attain spiritual wisdom and liberation. Below is the Carole Satyamurti translation, abridged and designed for a first read. To dive deeper, we’ve prepared भगवद्गीता The Bhagavad Gita - Study Version.
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Carole Satyamurti Translation
Chapter 32
“Words should be fought with words.”
“Words should be fought with words.”
“How did they fight, those ancestors of mine?” asked Janamejaya. Vaishampayana, with the blessing of Vyasa, told the king how, on the eve of battle, the two sides agreed a covenant, a code of conduct, rules of engagement properly laid down.
Warriors should fight their counterparts— horsemen against horsemen, infantry against opposing infantry. Stragglers should not be killed, nor anyone in retreat, or who had lost his weapon, or one intending to surrender. No one who was unprepared should be attacked.
Words should be fought with words. An assault should not be made without giving due notice.
Charioteers, those engaged in transport, those blowing conches or clashing cymbals should not be targeted. Nor should animals drawing chariots or carrying men.
Principle is one thing, practice another. Soon, battle frenzy would wipe these agreements from men’s memories, but, for the present, all were clear how to conduct themselves.
“Tell me in detail how the war developed,” requested the king. So Vaishampayana embarked on his narration of the conflict, the internecine strife that shook the earth.
“ So Vyasa granted Sanjaya, the king’s aide and companion, the gift of divine vision.”
“ So Vyasa granted Sanjaya, the king’s aide and companion, the gift of divine vision.”
Blind Dhritarashtra paced through his apartments full of dread, unable to still his mind. Now that he could not console himself with self-deceiving hopes that his stubborn son might yet see reason, even on the brink, the full force of the coming calamity was bearing down on him.