Chapter 2, Verse 33 (Bhagavad Gita 2.33)
Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yog – Transcendental Knowledge
Sanskrit Shloka
अथ चैत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि। ततः स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि
Transliteration
atha chet tvam imaṁ dharmyaṁ saṅgrāmaṁ na kariṣhyasi tataḥ sva-dharmaṁ kīrtiṁ cha hitvā pāpam avāpsyasi
Word Meanings
atha chet—if, however; tvam—you; imam—this; dharmyam saṅgrāmam—righteous war; na—not; kariṣhyasi—act; tataḥ—then; sva-dharmam—one’s duty in accordance with the Vedas; kīrtim—reputation; cha—and; hitvā—abandoning; pāpam—sin; avāpsyasi—will incur
Translation
But if you do not fight this righteous war, then abandoning your own duty and reputation, you will incur sin.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse addresses the conflict between personal hesitation and the call of duty. Krishna teaches that escaping one’s responsibility, especially when it concerns upholding righteousness (Dharma), is not an act of non-violence but an act of cowardice that diminishes one's character. By failing to perform one's prescribed duty, an individual loses the social honor and moral integrity that define their existence. Ultimately, this teaching suggests that true spirituality requires us to face our challenges head-on rather than retreating from the necessary tasks life demands of us. Neglecting one's path leads to an inner dissonance that manifests as spiritual stagnation and regret.