Krishna asks Arjuna to consider his Svadharma as a Kṣatriya. Protecting Dharma is part of his responsibility. Therefore, he should not allow personal attachment or confusion to prevent him from performing his duty.

The expression na vikampitum arhasi means that Arjuna ought not to waver. Krishna reminds him that the battle is a Dharma Yuddha and that he should remain firm in carrying out his responsibility

Krishna emphasises that protecting Dharma is the responsibility of a Kṣatriya. The battle must be righteous and undertaken for the protection of Dharma, not for personal gain or ambition.

Svadharma refers to one's own responsibility, determined by one's role and circumstances. Although the principles of Dharma apply to everyone, specific duties may differ. Arjuna's Svadharma as a Kṣatriya requires him to protect righteousness.

Krishna has already explained the nature of Ātman. He now addresses Arjuna from the standpoint of his Svadharma. Even when viewed through his worldly responsibilities, there is no justification for abandoning a righteous duty.

स्वर्गद्वारमपावृतम्(Svargadvāram apāvṛtam) means an open gateway to Svarga. Krishna describes the opportunity to fight a Dharma Yuddha as auspicious for a Kṣatriya. The teaching refers specifically to righteous action, not to warfare motivated by personal desires.

Krishna calls such Kṣatriyas fortunate because they have received an opportunity to fulfil their Svadharma. The importance lies in performing a righteous responsibility rather than seeking personal rewards.

Hitvā means having abandoned. Krishna warns that Arjuna would give up both his Svadharma and the honour he has earned as a respected warrior by withdrawing from his righteous duty.

Pāpam avāpsyasi means "you will incur Pāpa." Failure to perform a duty that ought to be performed can also result in Pāpa.

Avyayām means lasting or enduring. Krishna warns that Arjuna's abandonment of duty would result in dishonour that people would continue to speak about. This introduces the worldly consequences of his decision.

Sambhāvitasya refers to a person who is highly respected. Krishna explains that, from the worldly standpoint, lasting dishonour is considered worse than death for such a person. This is part of Krishna's reasoning to Arjuna, not a teaching that reputation is more important than life in every circumstance.

Bahumataḥ means highly regarded, while lāghavam indicates a loss of esteem or being regarded lightly. Krishna explains that the great warriors who previously respected Arjuna would look down upon him if he withdrew from his righteous duty.

Sorrow is merely perpetuated by one's thought about a person, object or a situation. Arjuna is at the peak of sorrow. Hence Bhagavān gives several layers of advice.

Vihita Akaraṇam (Omission of prescribed duties and Nishiddha karaṇam (Commission of prohibited duties) - both incur pāpam.

Ahimsā is the supreme Universal value. For a Kṣatriya, failing to fight a war to uphold Dharma is actually a form of Himsā. (Ahiṃsā paramo dharmaḥ, dharma hiṃsā tathaiva ca)