2. Transcendental Knowledge

Sānkhya Yog

BG 2.36

Your enemies will use harsh words to defame you further. What could be more painful than this?

अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून् वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः
निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम्

  • avāchya-vādānśh — using harsh words

    • avāchya — harsh, impolite

    • vādānśh — words, sayings

  • cha — and

  • bahūn — many

  • vadiṣhyanti — will say

  • tavāhitāḥ — your enemies

    • tava — your

    • ahitāḥ — enemies

  • nindantastava — defame your

    • nindantaḥ — defame

    • tava — your

  • sāmarthyaṁ — might

  • tato — than that

  • duḥkhataraṁ — more painful

    • duḥkha — pain, misery

    • taram — more, greater
      Indeclinable used as a comparative

  • nu — indeed

  • kim — what

...2.32

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.

[33]

People will always remember your dishonor. For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death.

[34]

The great warriors will think you have fled out of fear. Those who hold you in high esteem will no longer do so.

[35]

Your enemies will use harsh words to defame you further. What could be more painful than this?

[36]

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.

[37]

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.

[38]

2.39...
Chapter 2, Verse 36