Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2, Verse 3
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Contents
Chapter 2, Verse 3
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गम: पार्थ नैतत्तवय्युपपद्यते |
क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप || 3||
klaibyaṁ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha naitat tvayyupapadyate
kṣhudraṁ hṛidaya-daurbalyaṁ tyaktvottiṣhṭha parantapa
भावार्थ:
इसलिए हे अर्जुन! नपुंसकता को मत प्राप्त हो, तुझमें यह उचित नहीं जान पड़ती। हे परंतप! हृदय की तुच्छ दुर्बलता को त्यागकर युद्ध के लिए खड़ा हो जा॥3॥
Translation
O Parth, it does not befit you to yield to this unmanliness. Give up such petty weakness of heart and arise, O vanquisher of enemies.
English Translation Of Sri Shankaracharya’s Sanskrit Commentary By Swami Gambirananda
2.3 क्लैब्यम् impotence? मा स्म गमः do not get? पार्थ O Partha? न not? एतत् this? त्वयि in thee? उपपद्यते is fitting? क्षुद्रम् mean? हृदयदौर्बल्यम् weakness of the heart? त्यक्त्वा having abandoned? उत्तिष्ठ stand up? परन्तप O scorcher of the foes.
Explanation in English:
Krishna continues to shake Arjuna out of his emotional collapse. He uses strong and motivating words to inspire action and courage.
- “Klaibyam mā sma gamaḥ” – “Do not give in to impotence or cowardice.”
The word klaibya literally means “unmanliness” or “weakness of character.” Krishna is urging Arjuna not to let such weakness dominate him. - “Naitat tvayy upapadyate” – “This does not suit you.”
Krishna reminds Arjuna that such behavior is unworthy of a warrior of his stature, of someone known for his valor and strength. - “Kṣudraṁ hṛdaya-daurbalyaṁ” – “This petty weakness of the heart…”
The sorrow and emotional conflict that Arjuna is experiencing are seen here as small-minded and unworthy of a great soul. - “Tyaktvā uttiṣṭha” – “Give it up and rise.”
Krishna calls Arjuna to rise above his confusion, to stand up with strength and clarity. - “Parantapa” – “O destroyer of enemies!”
This title reminds Arjuna of his true nature and past victories. Krishna is saying, “You are a mighty warrior, remember who you are!”
📖 Related: Shri Munjaba Tample, Ahmednagar
Key Takeaway:
Krishna tells Arjuna that feeling overwhelmed is natural, but staying in that state is not acceptable when duty calls. Strength, courage, and clarity are expected from those who walk the path of Dharma. This verse is a call to action — not just physically, but spiritually — to rise beyond weakness and live up to one’s true potential.