Chapter 2 Verse 3
Sānkhya Yog
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते। क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप।।2.3।।
klaibyaṁ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha naitat tvayyupapadyate kṣhudraṁ hṛidaya-daurbalyaṁ tyaktvottiṣhṭha parantapa
Word Meanings
| klaibyam | unmanliness |
| mā sma | do not |
| gamaḥ | yield to |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| na | not |
| etat | this |
| tvayi | to you |
| upapadyate | befitting |
| kṣhudram | petty |
| hṛidaya | heart |
| daurbalyam | weakness |
| tyaktvā | giving up |
| uttiṣhṭha | arise |
| param-tapa | conqueror of enemies |
Translation
Do not yield to impotence, O Arjuna, son of Pritha. It does not befit you. Cast off this mean weakness of the heart! Stand up, O conqueror of foes!
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna tells Arjuna not to give in to weakness or despair. Such fear and self-doubt do not suit someone who has the strength and duty to act.
The "weakness of heart" means small, limiting thoughts—fear, attachment, indecision—that stop us from doing what is right. The verse asks us to let go of these and remember our true purpose.
Spiritually, this is a push to face inner enemies like ego, laziness, and worry. By rising and acting with clear intent, we move closer to our higher self and fulfill our responsibilities without being controlled by petty fears.
Life Application
- When you feel stuck, name the fear or excuse, then take one small step toward your duty or goal right away.
- Practice calmness (short breathing or pause) before deciding; this reduces panic and lets right action emerge.
- Remind yourself of your abilities and responsibilities; let purpose guide action more than comfort or avoidance.
Reflection Question
What small fear or excuse is keeping me from doing what I know I should do?