Chapter 2, Verse 36 (Bhagavad Gita 2.36)
Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yog – Transcendental Knowledge
Sanskrit Shloka
अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून् वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः। निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम्
Transliteration
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 will describe you with many unmentionable words and scorn your ability; what could be more painful than that?
Meaning & Commentary
This verse addresses the agony of a wounded ego, which often fears the loss of reputation more than death itself. Krishna identifies that the most profound suffering of the human mind is the judgment and mockery of others, which challenges our self-identity. Spiritually, this teaches us that our peace is currently anchored in external validation rather than inner stability. By exposing this vulnerability, the Gita encourages us to transcend the fear of public opinion. Ultimately, true liberation is found when one’s sense of worth is no longer subject to the praise or insults of the world.