Chapter 2, Verse 3
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गम: पार्थ नैतत्तवय्युपपद्यते | क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप ॥ 3॥
klaibyaṃ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha naitat tvayy upapadyate |
kṣudraṃ hṛdaya-daurbalyaṃ tyaktvottiṣṭha parantapa ||
"O Partha, yield not to unmanliness. This does not befit you. O scorcher of foes, arise, giving up the petty weakness of the heart."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.3 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.3 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this pivotal verse, Sri Krishna uses strong language to shock Arjuna out of his state of emotional paralysis. He uses the word 'Klaibyam' (impotence/unmanliness) not as a gendered slur, but to describe the loss of one's inherent power and purpose. By calling him 'Partha' and 'Parantapa', Krishna reminds Arjuna of his noble lineage and his past victories. The 'weakness of heart' (hridaya-daurbalyam) is described as 'kṣudram' (petty/base) because it stems from attachment and delusion rather than true wisdom. Krishna's command 'Uttiṣṭha' (Arise) is a call to action—both physical and spiritual—demanding that we transcend our temporary mental agitations to perform our higher duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 2.3?
O Partha, yield not to unmanliness. This does not befit you. O scorcher of foes, arise, giving up the petty weakness of the heart.