अकीर्तिं चापि भूतानि कथयिष्यन्ति तेऽव्ययाम्। संभावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते
Krishna states that for a person who is respected, infamy or dishonor is worse than death. He emphasizes that people will speak of this shame for a long time, causing lasting damage to one's reputation.
Responsibility may involve discomfort, but the battlefield setting is not a blanket instruction to fight every disagreement. Identify the obligation, the people affected, and a proportionate response.
What would a responsible and non-harmful response look like here?
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How does Krishna describe the effect of public opinion on a respected individual in this verse?
Krishna explains that public opinion can have a profound impact on a person's sense of self-worth and legacy. For someone who is admired, being spoken of with dishonor or losing social respect causes deep suffering, sometimes more than physical harm or death itself.
Why does Krishna say that infamy is 'worse than death' for someone with honor?
Krishna highlights that for honorable individuals, their reputation and the respect they receive are deeply tied to their sense of identity and purpose. Losing that respect brings a kind of inner suffering and social isolation that can feel more unbearable than death, as it affects both one’s self-esteem and how they are remembered by others.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'undying infamy' as used by Krishna in this teaching?
'Undying infamy' refers to a lasting or permanent mark of shame that persists over time. Krishna warns that such dishonor does not fade easily; instead, it lingers in people's memories and conversations, affecting a person's legacy for generations.
How can one deal with the fear of public dishonor as discussed in this verse?
Dealing with the fear of public dishonor involves focusing on performing one's duty with sincerity and integrity, rather than being overly concerned with others’ opinions. Krishna’s teaching suggests that acting according to righteousness protects one's inner peace and true honor, regardless of public judgment. Practicing detachment from praise or blame and cultivating self-awareness can help overcome the anxiety of infamy.
Men will recount thy perpetual dishonour, and, to one highly esteemed, dishonour exceedeth death.
What do “thy” and “thou” mean?
“Thy” means “your”; “thou” and “thee” mean “you”; “thine” means “yours.” This historical translation is preserved as published.