Chapter 2 Verse 34
Sānkhya Yog
अकीर्तिं चापि भूतानि कथयिष्यन्ति तेऽव्ययाम्। संभावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते।।2.34।।
akīrtiṁ chāpi bhūtāni kathayiṣhyanti te ’vyayām sambhāvitasya chākīrtir maraṇād atirichyate
Word Meanings
| akīrtim | infamy |
| cha | and |
| api | also |
| bhūtāni | people |
| kathayiṣhyanti | will speak |
| te | of your |
| avyayām | everlasting |
| sambhāvitasya | of a respectable person |
| cha | and |
| akīrtiḥ | infamy |
| maraṇāt | than death |
| atirichyate | is greater |
Translation
People will also recount your everlasting dishonor; and for one who has been honored, dishonor is worse than death.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points out how powerful public opinion and reputation are. For a person who is respected, being disgraced can feel worse than death because shame affects relationships, trust, and how history remembers them.
Philosophically, it warns that attachment to honor and the fear of dishonor can control our choices. The deeper teaching is to recognize this pull and act from inner duty (dharma) rather than from fear of what others will say.
At the same time, it reminds us to care about integrity: honor that comes from right action matters, and preserving moral standing is important. The balance is to do what is right without being driven only by reputation or the dread of losing it.
Life Application
- When faced with a tough decision, ask whether you are acting for duty and truth, not just to protect your image.
- Build steady inner values so that praise or blame does not sway your choices.
- If your reputation is harmed, respond calmly with honest correction and consistent right action instead of panic or hiding.
Reflection Question
Am I avoiding the right thing because I fear what others will think?