All created things are originally unmanifest. They manifest in their transient state, and when dissolved, become unmanifest. What is the use of feeling sorry for them?
Some see the soul, and it is an astonishing wonder to them. So too do others speak of it, and still others hear of it. There are some, however, who, even after hearing about it, cannot conceive of it.
He who sits in the body is eternal, he cannot be killed. Therefore you have no need to mourn anyone.
You know, moreover, your duties as a warrior. They enjoin you to fight according to the principles of religion, so you cannot hesitate.
Blessed are the warriors who are given the opportunity to fight, for then the door to the planets of delight opens for them.
But if you refuse to fight this just battle, you will sin for failing to do your duty, and thus lose your reputation as a warrior.
Men will forever speak of your infamy, and for him who has known honours, disgrace is worse than death.
The great generals who esteemed your name and your glory highly will believe that fear alone made you leave the battlefield, and will judge you a coward.
Your enemies will cover you with outrageous words and will mock your valour. What could be more painful for you?
If you die fighting, you will reach the planets of delight. If you win, you will enjoy the kingdom of the Earth. Stand up, then, and fight firmly.
Fight out of duty, without counting your joys or your sorrows, your loss or your gain, your victory or your defeat; thus, you will never incur sin.
You have so far received from Me the analytical knowledge of the sankhya philosophy. Now receive the knowledge of yoga (yoga: practice of union and communion with God), which enables you to act without being bound to your actions. When this intelligence guides you, you will be able to break the chains of karma (karma: law of action and reaction, or law of cause and effect).
To him who walks this path, no effort is in vain, no benefit gained is ever lost; the smallest step frees us from the most dreadful fear.
He who walks this path is resolute in his endeavour, and pursues a single goal. On the other hand, the mind of him who lacks this firmness is lost in many oblique paths.