Bhagavad Gita 2.3

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 3: A Call to Courage and Duty

Verse in Sanskrit:

क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते।
क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप॥

Transliteration:

klaibyaṁ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha naitattvayyupapadyate
kṣudraṁ hṛdaya-daurbalyaṁ tyaktvottiṣṭha parantapa

Translation:

"O Arjuna, do not yield to this unmanliness. It does not befit you. Cast off this weak-heartedness and arise, O scorcher of enemies!"

हे अर्जुन ! इस अपुरुषत्व के आगे मत झुको। यह तुम्हें शोभा नहीं देता। इस दुर्बलता को त्याग दो और उठो, हे शत्रुओं को दग्ध करने वाले !

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Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, known as the Sankhya Yoga or the Yoga of Knowledge. At this point in the epic battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna is overwhelmed with sorrow and confusion. He is hesitant to fight against his own family members, teachers, and loved ones. Seeing his distress, Lord Krishna speaks these words to awaken his warrior spirit and remind him of his duty as a Kshatriya (warrior).

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Key Themes of the Verse

1. Overcoming Weakness and Fear

Krishna sternly tells Arjuna not to fall into weakness (klaibyam), which signifies cowardice and lack of resolve. The verse teaches that one should not let emotions and doubts hinder their responsibilities.

2. The Importance of Duty (Dharma)

Arjuna's hesitation is natural, but Krishna reminds him that abandoning his duty as a warrior is inappropriate. This highlights the core principle of Dharma—one must fulfill their responsibilities without fear or attachment.

3. Inner Strength and Courage

Krishna calls Arjuna Parantapa, meaning "scorcher of enemies," reinforcing that he is a great warrior. This is a lesson for everyone—sometimes we need a reminder of our own strengths to overcome self-doubt.

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Relevance in Modern Life

• Facing Challenges with Courage: In life, we all face moments of doubt, whether in personal or professional situations. This verse inspires us to overcome fear and take decisive action.
• Emotional Resilience: Krishna’s words encourage us to let go of emotional weakness and approach life’s difficulties with a strong mind and heart.
• Fulfilling Responsibilities: Just as Arjuna is reminded of his warrior duty, we too must recognize and fulfill our duties, whether as students, professionals, parents, or citizens.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 2.3 is a powerful call to action. It teaches us that fear and doubt should not hold us back from fulfilling our responsibilities. Instead, we must cultivate inner strength, rise above weakness, and move forward with courage. Just as Krishna’s words motivated Arjuna, they continue to inspire us to stand strong in the face of challenges today.

Would you like me to explore another verse or a specific theme from the Gita.