In response to Arjuna’s supplication, Krishna reveals the identity of His universal form, lays down the future in front of Arjuna, and gives a powerful instruction to Arjuna. Krishna affirms in His universal form that He is Time (kālo ’smi), the great (pravṛddho) destroyer of the worlds (loka-kṣaya-kṛt), and He has come here to destroy all people (lokān samāhartum iha pravṛttaḥ). Even without Arjuna (ṛte ’pi tvāṁ), the fighters (yodhāḥ) standing (ye ’vasthitāḥ) in the opposing armies (praty-anīkeṣu) will no longer live (na bhaviṣyanti sarve). (BG 11.32)
The future is already set. Therefore (tasmāt), Arjuna should get up (tvam uttiṣṭha), and win glory (yaśo labhasva). Conquering the enemies (jitvā śatrūn), he should prepare to enjoy (bhuṅkṣva) a flourishing kingdom (rājyaṁ samṛddham). All these soldiers (ete) have already been (pūrvam eva) put to death (nihatāḥ) by Krishna alone (mayaiva). Arjuna should simply become but an instrument (nimitta-mātraṁ bhava) in Krishna’s hands. (BG 11.33) Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Jayadratha (droṇaṁ ca bhīṣmaṁ ca jayadrathaṁ ca), Karṇa, and the other great warriors (karṇaṁ tathānyān api yodha-vīrān) have already been destroyed by Krishna (mayā hatāṁs). Therefore, Arjuna should not waver (mā vyathiṣṭhā) and simply become an instrument to destroy them (tvaṁ jahi). He should just fight (yudhyasva) and conquer the enemies in battle (jetāsi raṇe sapatnān). (BG 11.34)
