Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 3: The Path of Action

Bhagavad Gita 3.1

jyāyasī cetkarmaṇaste matā buddhirjanārdana | tatkiṃ karmaṇi ghore māṃ niyojayasi keśava ||

If you consider understanding superior to action, Krishna, why then do you urge me into this terrible action?

Modern context

Arjuna has listened, and he raises a fair objection: if inner understanding is what matters, why push me into this dreadful action? It is the question of anyone who has glimpsed the value of peace of mind and then looks at their obligations. A good student does not swallow an apparent contradiction; he asks.