Chapter 2 Verse 36
Sānkhya Yog
अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून् वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः। निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम्।।2.36।।
avāchya-vādānśh cha bahūn vadiṣhyanti tavāhitāḥ nindantastava sāmarthyaṁ tato duḥkhataraṁ nu kim
Word Meanings
| avāchya-vādān | using harsh words |
| cha | and |
| bahūn | many |
| vadiṣhyanti | will say |
| tava | your |
| ahitāḥ | enemies |
| nindantaḥ | defame |
| tava | your |
| sāmarthyam | might |
| tataḥ | than that |
| duḥkha-taram | more painful |
| nu | indeed |
| kim | what |
Translation
Your enemies, scoffing at your power, will speak many abusive words—what could be more painful than this?
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points to a common human pain: people feel deepest hurt when others mock their ability or status. The sting comes not from the words alone, but from our attachment to power, reputation, or the image we carry.
Philosophically, the teaching asks us to see where the pain originates. The true Self is steady and untouched by praise or blame. Suffering grows when the ego ties self-worth to external success or the approval of others.
Spiritually, this is an invitation to inner freedom. If you act from duty and truth rather than from craving for praise or fear of insult, hostile words lose their power. Criticism can be used as a mirror to improve, not as a weapon to wound your peace.
Life Application
- Pause before reacting: take a breath, notice the hurt, then choose a calm, measured response or silence.
- Check the criticism: discard malicious attacks, learn from any truthful point, and act to improve where needed.
- Build inner steadiness: daily practices like brief reflection, prayer, or quiet time reduce dependence on others' approval.
Reflection Question
When I feel hurt by someone's words, am I protecting my image or my inner peace?