Chapter 2 Verse 37
Sānkhya Yog
हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम्। तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः।।2.37।।
hato vā prāpsyasi swargaṁ jitvā vā bhokṣhyase mahīm tasmād uttiṣhṭha kaunteya yuddhāya kṛita-niśhchayaḥ
Word Meanings
| hataḥ | slain |
| vā | or |
| prāpsyasi | you will attain |
| swargam | celestial abodes |
| jitvā | by achieving victory |
| vā | or |
| bhokṣhyase | you shall enjoy |
| mahīm | the kingdom on earth |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| uttiṣhṭha | arise |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| yuddhāya | for fight |
| kṛita-niśhchayaḥ | with determination |
Translation
Slain, you will obtain heaven; victorious, you will enjoy the earth; therefore, stand up, O son of Kunti, resolved to fight.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse tells Arjuna that both outcomes — death or victory — are part of life’s cycle. If you die fighting for a right cause, you go to a better place; if you win, you enjoy the world. Neither outcome should paralyze you.
The deeper lesson is about duty and resolve. When a task is right, you should act with firm determination, not with fear of loss or hunger for reward.
It also points to inner freedom: act courageously and accept results. When you focus on your duty rather than clinging to outcomes, your actions become clear and steady.
Life Application
- When facing a hard decision, choose the action that aligns with your values, even if the result is uncertain.
- Do your work fully, then let go of worry about success or failure; this reduces anxiety and improves focus.
- Build small habits of resolute action (finish a task, speak a truth, take a necessary step) to grow confidence in larger challenges.
Reflection Question
What one important action am I avoiding because I’m afraid of what might happen?