भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यन्ते त्वां महारथाः । येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम् ॥ ३५ ॥
bhayād raṇād uparataṁ mansyante tvāṁ mahā-rathāḥ yeṣhāṁ cha tvaṁ bahu-mato bhūtvā yāsyasi lāghavam
Translation
The great chariot-warriors will think you withdrew from battle out of fear; and those who held you in high esteem will think little of you.
Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अर्थ)
महारथी यह मानेंगे कि तुम भय के कारण युद्ध से हट गए; और जिनकी दृष्टि में तुम बहुत सम्मानित थे, उनकी दृष्टि में तुम तुच्छ हो जाओगे।
Commentary
Krishna points out that no one will see Arjun's withdrawal as compassion — they will see it as fear. Our inner motives are rarely visible to others; actions are judged by how they appear and by their consequences.