Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 34
akīrtiṁ chāpi bhūtāni kathayiṣhyanti te ’vyayām
sambhāvitasya chākīrtir maraṇād atirichyate
Simple Meaning
O Arjuna!
If you withdraw from this righteous duty, people will speak of your disgrace forever. For a respected person, dishonor is worse than death.
Detailed Explanation
In this verse from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Krishna warns Arjuna about the long-lasting consequences of abandoning his duty.
Here, Krishna shifts the focus from sin (mentioned in Verse 33) to honor and lasting reputation.
Importance of Honor and Reputation
A warrior’s life is built upon courage, integrity, and commitment to dharma. If Arjuna withdraws from this righteous battle, his name will be remembered for cowardice, not compassion.
Dishonor Lasts Forever
Krishna emphasizes that others—beings from all walks of life—will speak endlessly about Arjuna’s disgrace.
Good deeds may fade from memory, but acts of cowardice are remembered for generations.
For an Honored Person, Dishonor Is Worse Than Death
A noble and respected individual values honor more than life itself. For Arjuna, who is admired as a great warrior, disgrace would bring a deeper suffering than death.
Key Points
- Disgrace is Permanent: People will remember and speak of one’s dishonor for a long time.
- Honor Matters Deeply: For those who are respected, losing honor is more painful than losing life.
- Duty Preserves Reputation: Fulfilling dharma protects one’s standing in society.
- Courage Over Fear: True warriors uphold righteousness even in difficult circumstances.
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse teaches that avoiding righteous action weakens the soul, while upholding duty strengthens inner character.
Dishonor is not merely social—it affects one’s self-respect, spiritual growth, and moral integrity.
Krishna reminds us that:
- Running away from responsibility creates deep inner suffering.
- Living with courage and integrity leads to spiritual elevation.
- Honor, rooted in dharma, is a lasting virtue.
Word-by-Word Meaning
- Akīrtim – Dishonor, disgrace
- Chāpi bhūtāni kathayiṣhyanti – People will talk about it
- Te ’vyayām – Endlessly, forever
- Sambhāvitasya – For a respected or honorable person
- Akīrtiḥ – Dishonor
- Maraṇāt atirichyate – Worse than death
Message of the Shloka
Retreating from duty leads not only to loss of honor but also to lifelong disgrace. A person respected for courage and virtue suffers more from dishonor than from death itself. Thus, standing firm in one’s dharma protects reputation, integrity, and spiritual progress.
