Chapter 2 Verse 35
Sānkhya Yog
भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यन्ते त्वां महारथाः। येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम्।।2.35।।
bhayād raṇād uparataṁ mansyante tvāṁ mahā-rathāḥ yeṣhāṁ cha tvaṁ bahu-mato bhūtvā yāsyasi lāghavam
Word Meanings
| bhayāt | out of fear |
| raṇāt | from the battlefield |
| uparatam | have fled |
| maṁsyante | will think |
| tvām | you |
| mahā-rathāḥ | warriors who could single handedly match the strength of ten thousand ordinary warriors |
| yeṣhām | for whom |
| cha | and |
| tvam | you |
| bahu-mataḥ | high esteemed |
| bhūtvā | having been |
| yāsyasi | you will loose |
| lāghavam | decreased in value |
Translation
The great chariot-warriors will think that you have withdrawn from the battle out of fear, and you will be held in low esteem by those who have held you in high regard.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna warns that fleeing from a difficult duty out of fear damages your honor and the trust others place in you. People notice when someone who is respected avoids their responsibilities, and that loss of esteem follows the act.
On a deeper level, this verse points to the harm that fear does to inner strength and identity. Acting bravely in line with your role builds self-respect; avoiding challenges out of fear weakens it.
The teaching urges steady commitment to what is right, not for show, but because your actions shape who you become and how others rely on you.
Life Application
- When fear tempts you to back away, remind yourself of the responsibility you accepted and take one small, specific step toward it now.
- Keep promises and roles (at work, family, community) even when they are hard; consistency builds trust and inner strength.
- Cultivate calm resolve: practice breathing, planning, and breaking big tasks into smaller ones so fear loses its hold.
Reflection Question
What duty am I avoiding because of fear, and what one small action can I take today to face it?