Arjuna said: If understanding (buddhi) is thought by you to be superior to action (karma), O Agitator of men (Janārdana), Then why do you urge me into this terrible action (karma), O Beautiful-haired one (Keśava)?
If you think understanding is more powerful than action, why, Krishna, do you urge me to this horrific act?
Arjuna said: (1) If you think that [the contemplative life of] the soul is a loftier [course] than [the mere performance of] acts, then why do you command me to do a cruel deed?
3.1 Arjuna said -- O Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa), if it be Your opinion that wisdom is superior to action, why they do you urge me to horrible action, O Keśava ?
3.1 Arjuna said -- If, O Kṛṣṇa, you consider that Buddhi (knowledge) is superior to works, why do you engage me in this terrible deed?
3.1 Arjuna said -- If Thou thinkest that knowledge is superior to action, O Kṛṣṇa, why then, O Keśava, dost Thou ask me to engage in this terrible action?