If Krishna Knew Everything Was Temporary, Why Did He Still Fight for Dharma?
Nidhi | Mar 18, 2025, 18:46 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Despite knowing the impermanence of life, why did Krishna choose to fight for dharma in the Mahabharata? This article explores the deep philosophical reasoning behind Krishna’s actions, drawing from his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. It unpacks how Krishna’s understanding of life’s transience shaped his unwavering commitment to righteousness, duty, and moral order — offering timeless insights on why standing for dharma remains crucial even in the face of life’s fleeting nature.
Arjuna: Krishna, why must I fight this war? How can I raise my bow against my own kin?
Krishna:
"यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानम् अधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥"
(Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest Myself on earth.)
You are not fighting for yourself, Partha — you are fighting to restore dharma. To stand by and allow adharma to thrive is to betray your very soul.
In a world where nothing seems to last — relationships, success, even peace of mind — why should one stand up for righteousness? If everything eventually fades, why does dharma matter? This is not a new dilemma. Arjuna faced the same confusion on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and Krishna’s answer remains timeless.
Krishna fought for dharma despite knowing the impermanence of life because dharma is not about securing outcomes — it’s about aligning with truth and cosmic order. Today’s world, much like Kurukshetra, is a battlefield of moral ambiguity, personal struggles, and emotional disconnect. Krishna’s teachings reveal that abiding by dharma is the key to navigating this chaos with clarity and strength.
Let’s explore why Krishna fought for dharma — and why his choice holds profound wisdom for modern life.
"समत्वं योग उच्यते।"
(Equanimity in success and failure is yoga.)
(Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
Krishna fought for dharma not because he was attached to the outcome, but because following dharma creates inner steadiness. In modern life, people chase happiness through external achievements — career success, financial stability, social validation — only to face disappointment when things fall apart.
Krishna’s message is clear: true stability comes not from controlling the outcome, but from acting with integrity. Dharma provides a moral compass that anchors you even when life is unpredictable:
When you align with dharma, your peace no longer depends on external circumstances.
"त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रयः।
कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किञ्चित्करोति सः॥"
(One who is free from attachment to the fruits of action and satisfied within, even while acting, is not bound by action.)
(Bhagavad Gita 4.20)
Krishna knew that the cycle of karma — action and reaction — binds human beings to endless suffering. Every action motivated by personal gain or fear of loss creates karmic entanglement. Krishna fought for dharma not to win or conquer but to break free from this cycle.
In today’s world, people are caught in a similar loop — chasing career milestones, social approval, and financial success — only to feel emptier with each achievement. Krishna’s teaching challenges this mindset:
When action is driven by dharma, not by attachment, it becomes liberating rather than binding.
"परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥"
(To protect the righteous, to destroy evil, and to restore dharma, I manifest in every age.)
(Bhagavad Gita 4.8)
Krishna fought not to win a war, but to restore balance in the universe. Adharma (unrighteousness) creates imbalance — greed over kindness, power over justice, lies over truth.
Modern life reflects the same chaos — dishonesty in relationships, corruption in institutions, and emotional disconnect. Krishna’s lesson is that restoring balance requires conscious effort:
Living by dharma restores not only personal balance but also societal harmony.
"कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥"
(You have a right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of the action.)
(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
Krishna fought not for personal glory, but because it was his duty. Dharma is not about personal ambition — it’s about serving the greater good. In a world obsessed with individual success, this lesson is revolutionary.
Modern life encourages self-promotion — building a career, gaining followers, creating wealth. But Krishna’s path teaches that true fulfillment comes from selfless action:
When action becomes service rather than conquest, it dissolves the ego and creates deeper fulfillment.
"ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविः ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम्।
ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्म समाधिना॥"
(The act of offering, the offering itself, and the one who receives it are all Brahman — one who sees this truth is united with Brahman.)
(Bhagavad Gita 4.24)
Krishna knew that dharma leads to moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Worldly success is fleeting, but spiritual freedom is eternal.
In today's world, people are spiritually disconnected — overstimulated by technology, drained by constant competition, and isolated despite social media. Krishna’s path to liberation is through dharma:
Dharma transforms worldly action into spiritual growth.
"योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥"
(Act with equanimity, abandoning attachment to success and failure — this is true yoga.)
(Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
Krishna knew that the outcome of war was uncertain — yet he fought because dharma demands action even when success isn’t guaranteed. Fear of failure and uncertainty often paralyze modern life. People hesitate to commit to relationships, pursue their passions, or stand up for justice because they fear disappointment.
Krishna’s teaching reminds us that courage lies in acting according to dharma, even when the future is uncer tain:
When action is rooted in dharma rather than fear, it becomes a source of strength rather than anxiety.
Krishna’s choice to fight for dharma teaches that life’s value doesn’t come from success or security — it comes from acting in alignment with truth. Modern life mirrors Kurukshetra — moral ambiguity, emotional chaos, and spiritual emptiness. Krishna’s path shows that dharma is not about outcomes — it’s about courage, integrity, and inner peace.
In a world where trust is fragile, relationships are complex, and success feels hollow — abiding by dharma remains the only path to true peace and fulfillment. Krishna’s fight wasn’t about winning — it was about standing for truth. That’s why dharma still matters.
Krishna:
"यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानम् अधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥"
(Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest Myself on earth.)
You are not fighting for yourself, Partha — you are fighting to restore dharma. To stand by and allow adharma to thrive is to betray your very soul.
In a world where nothing seems to last — relationships, success, even peace of mind — why should one stand up for righteousness? If everything eventually fades, why does dharma matter? This is not a new dilemma. Arjuna faced the same confusion on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and Krishna’s answer remains timeless.
Krishna fought for dharma despite knowing the impermanence of life because dharma is not about securing outcomes — it’s about aligning with truth and cosmic order. Today’s world, much like Kurukshetra, is a battlefield of moral ambiguity, personal struggles, and emotional disconnect. Krishna’s teachings reveal that abiding by dharma is the key to navigating this chaos with clarity and strength.
Let’s explore why Krishna fought for dharma — and why his choice holds profound wisdom for modern life.
1. Stability Isn't External — It's Found in Dharma
Spirituality
( Image credit : Pexels )
(Equanimity in success and failure is yoga.)
(Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
Krishna fought for dharma not because he was attached to the outcome, but because following dharma creates inner steadiness. In modern life, people chase happiness through external achievements — career success, financial stability, social validation — only to face disappointment when things fall apart.
Krishna’s message is clear: true stability comes not from controlling the outcome, but from acting with integrity. Dharma provides a moral compass that anchors you even when life is unpredictable:
- Success and failure are inevitable — but acting with righteousness brings peace.
- Relationships may fade — but staying honest and kind preserves inner harmony.
- Material loss may come — but acting ethically keeps you grounded.
2. Free Yourself from the Outcome Trap
Free Yourself
( Image credit : Pexels )
कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किञ्चित्करोति सः॥"
(One who is free from attachment to the fruits of action and satisfied within, even while acting, is not bound by action.)
(Bhagavad Gita 4.20)
Krishna knew that the cycle of karma — action and reaction — binds human beings to endless suffering. Every action motivated by personal gain or fear of loss creates karmic entanglement. Krishna fought for dharma not to win or conquer but to break free from this cycle.
In today’s world, people are caught in a similar loop — chasing career milestones, social approval, and financial success — only to feel emptier with each achievement. Krishna’s teaching challenges this mindset:
- Work for excellence, not for recognition.
- Love without fearing heartbreak.
- Help others without expecting gratitude.
3. Balance Is Not a Luxury — It's a Necessity
Peace
( Image credit : Pexels )
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥"
(To protect the righteous, to destroy evil, and to restore dharma, I manifest in every age.)
(Bhagavad Gita 4.8)
Krishna fought not to win a war, but to restore balance in the universe. Adharma (unrighteousness) creates imbalance — greed over kindness, power over justice, lies over truth.
Modern life reflects the same chaos — dishonesty in relationships, corruption in institutions, and emotional disconnect. Krishna’s lesson is that restoring balance requires conscious effort:
- Speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- Choose kindness over convenience.
- Act ethically, even when others are not.
4. Serve, Don’t Conquer
Stressed Life
( Image credit : Pexels )
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥"
(You have a right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of the action.)
(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
Krishna fought not for personal glory, but because it was his duty. Dharma is not about personal ambition — it’s about serving the greater good. In a world obsessed with individual success, this lesson is revolutionary.
Modern life encourages self-promotion — building a career, gaining followers, creating wealth. But Krishna’s path teaches that true fulfillment comes from selfless action:
- Work not for praise, but for contribution.
- Help others without seeking recognition.
- Love not for validation, but to create connection.
5. Dharma Is the Gateway to Spiritual Freedom
Dharma
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्म समाधिना॥"
(The act of offering, the offering itself, and the one who receives it are all Brahman — one who sees this truth is united with Brahman.)
(Bhagavad Gita 4.24)
Krishna knew that dharma leads to moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Worldly success is fleeting, but spiritual freedom is eternal.
In today's world, people are spiritually disconnected — overstimulated by technology, drained by constant competition, and isolated despite social media. Krishna’s path to liberation is through dharma:
- Working ethically leads to peace of mind.
- Acting truthfully brings self-respect.
- Loving selflessly creates spiritual freedom.
6. Courage Means Acting Despite Uncertainty
Courage Means Act
( Image credit : Pexels )
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥"
(Act with equanimity, abandoning attachment to success and failure — this is true yoga.)
(Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
Krishna knew that the outcome of war was uncertain — yet he fought because dharma demands action even when success isn’t guaranteed. Fear of failure and uncertainty often paralyze modern life. People hesitate to commit to relationships, pursue their passions, or stand up for justice because they fear disappointment.
Krishna’s teaching reminds us that courage lies in acting according to dharma, even when the future is uncer tain:
- Speak your truth, even if you’re unsure how it will be received.
- Follow your passion, even if you don’t know where it will lead.
- Love deeply, even if you fear heartbreak.
Why Dharma Still Matters Today
In a world where trust is fragile, relationships are complex, and success feels hollow — abiding by dharma remains the only path to true peace and fulfillment. Krishna’s fight wasn’t about winning — it was about standing for truth. That’s why dharma still matters.