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Chapter 2
akirtim capi bhutani kathayisyanti te'vyayam
sambhavitasya cakirtirmaranadatiricyate
All beings will ever recount your undying infamy and that is surely, worse than death for a man, enjoying popular esteem. 34
Comment:-
Akirtim capi bhutuni kathayisyanti te'vyayam:- Men, gods, genies, and demons etc., and all, who do not have even the least friendship or enmity with you, such simple beings will recount your infamy and dishonour and will call you a coward, if you do not wage war. They will disparage your chivalry, and will say that you proved to be a coward, which could not even be imagined.
By using the word 'te' (thy) Lord Krsna means to say, that Arjuna who is renowned in heaven, in this world, as well as, in the infernal world, for his courage, will be called a coward. By using the term 'avyayam (everlasting) He means that as he is famous for his excellence and bravery, he will be unpopular for his weakness and timidity forever.
Sambhavitasya ukirtirmaranadatiricyate:-In the first half of this verse, the Lord discussed Arjunas disparagement by common people. Now He is talking in general terms.
In the world, if any man, who is regarded superior to others and enjoys popular esteem, loses his honour and fame, his infamy is more painful to him, than even death. Because in natural death he does not lose his name and fame while he loses these by shunning his duty. In case of natural death, no crime or sin is conunitted, but shirking duty is a sin, which brings much discredit.
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