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A question on the Geeta
There is a passage in the Bhagavhad Gita that has puzzled me since I
first read it, and I was hoping that someone in this group could
straighten me out.
I think it occurs near the end of the second chapter. As Krishna is
trying to convince Arjuna to return to the battle, he resorts at one
point to trying to shame Arjuna into action - telling him that if he
refuses to fight, all the generals, the other soldiers, his family,
etc., will all think less of him and it will severely tarnish his
reputation. This really bothered me when I first read it, because if
it convinced Arjuna to fight, then he would really be fighting out of
a self-interest to maintain his reputation rather than desiring to
perform his duty.
So, am I completely misinterpretting this passage, or was Krishna
actually testing Arjuna's motives, or what? I would greatly appreciate
any help you could give me.
Also, could anyone recommend good, faithful English translations of
the Raamayana and the Mahabharata?
Thank you.
Pat
