BG 2.34
People will always remember your dishonor. For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death.
संभावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते
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akīrtiṁ — infamy
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chāpi — and also
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cha — and
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api — also
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bhūtāni — people
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kathayiṣhyanti — will speak
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te — of your
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’vyayām — everlasting
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sambhāvitasya — of a respectable person
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chākīrtir — and infamy
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cha — and
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akīrtiḥ — infamy
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maraṇād — than death
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atirichyate — is greater
On the other hand, refusing to fight in this righteous war is a sinful act, a dereliction of your duty, and will destroy your reputation. People will always remember your dishonor. For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death. The great warriors will think you have fled out of fear. Those who hold you in high esteem will no longer do so. Your enemies will use harsh words to defame you further. What could be more painful than this? If you are slain, you will attain heaven. If you win, you will enjoy a kingdom on Earth. Therefore, stand up and fight with determination. Happiness and sadness, gain and loss, victory and defeat - all should be treated alike. In this way, you will never be acting sinfully when fighting.
Similar verses
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Your enemies will use harsh words to defame you further. What could be more painful than this?
- Verse 2.36
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The great warriors will think you have fled out of fear. Those who hold you in high esteem will no longer do so.
- Verse 2.35
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When a community perishes, its traditions and duties are destroyed, and the families are overcome by immorality.
- Verse 1.40
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...and whatever disrespect has been shown to you in jest, while playing, resting, sitting, or eating, whether alone or in the presence of others - I implore you for forgiveness.
- Verse 11.42
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On the other hand, refusing to fight in this righteous war is a sinful act, a dereliction of your duty, and will destroy your reputation.
- Verse 2.33