Bhagavad Gita 2.35 — The Great Warriors Will Think You Left Out of Fear
भयाद्रणादुपरतं मंस्यन्ते त्वां महारथाः।
येषां च त्वं बहुमतो भूत्वा यास्यसि लाघवम्॥ २.३५॥
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The great warriors will think that you withdrew from the battle out of fear. And you, who were highly esteemed by them, will fall into low esteem.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bhayāt | out of fear |
| raṇāt | from the battle |
| uparatam | withdrawn, turned away |
| maṁsyante | will think, will consider |
| tvām | you |
| mahārathāḥ | great warriors, great chariot-fighters |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yeṣhām | of whom, by whom |
| cha | and |
| tvam | you |
| bahumataḥ | highly esteemed |
| bhūtvā | having been |
| yāsyasi | you will fall |
| lāghavam | to lightness, to low esteem |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bhayāt | out of fear | yeṣhām | of whom, by whom |
| raṇāt | from the battle | cha | and |
| uparatam | withdrawn, turned away | tvam | you |
| maṁsyante | will think, will consider | bahumataḥ | highly esteemed |
| tvām | you | bhūtvā | having been |
| mahārathāḥ | great warriors, great chariot-fighters | yāsyasi | you will fall |
| lāghavam | to lightness, to low esteem | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse Lord Krishna points to a particular painful consequence of Arjuna's withdrawal. The great warriors on the opposing side will assume he left the battlefield out of fear, not compassion. The people who respected him will begin to regard him as small. Krishna shows that Arjuna's noble motive will be misunderstood.
Essence
Misunderstood motives
Lord Krishna says bhayād raṇād uparatam maṃsyante tvām mahārathāḥ. The mahārathāḥ, the great chariot-warriors, will think that Arjuna has turned back from the battle out of bhaya, fear. This is a poignant point. Arjuna believes that he is withdrawing out of compassion. Krishna warns that the world will not see it that way.
Mahārathāḥ (great warriors): These are the very heroes such as Karṇa, Duryodhana, and others who know Arjuna's valour. Their respect for him is real. For such men to think of him as a coward would be especially hurtful.
Bahumato bhūtvā yāsyasi lāghavam (having been highly esteemed, you will be reduced to lightness): The word lāghava means lightness or insignificance. Someone who has stood high in the esteem of others will be treated as a person of little weight. The contrast between the former respect and the future contempt is part of the sting.
A further point: mixed motives
Krishna's words invite Arjuna to look honestly at his motives. Part of what he is feeling may truly be compassion. But part of it may be fear, the natural fear of battle, loss, and responsibility, which he has dressed up in noble language. A good teacher helps the student see this without condemning him. Self-examination is a necessary part of acting wisely.
The verse is also a reminder that the gap between intention and perception can be wide, and that we are responsible for how our decisions affect others' trust.
Message for Everyday Life (Examining Our Own Motives)
When we avoid something difficult, it is worth asking whether we are acting on principle or on fear.
Be honest with yourself: Sometimes our reasons are a blend of genuine values and unacknowledged anxiety. Naming both helps us decide more clearly.
Communicate your intentions: Where our reasons are sound but easily misunderstood, thoughtful explanation can prevent needless damage to relationships.
Misunderstood motives
Lord Krishna says bhayād raṇād uparatam maṃsyante tvām mahārathāḥ. The mahārathāḥ, the great chariot-warriors, will think that Arjuna has turned back from the battle out of bhaya, fear. This is a poignant point. Arjuna believes that he is withdrawing out of compassion. Krishna warns that the world will not see it that way.
Mahārathāḥ (great warriors): These are the very heroes such as Karṇa, Duryodhana, and others who know Arjuna's valour. Their respect for him is real. For such men to think of him as a coward would be especially hurtful.
Bahumato bhūtvā yāsyasi lāghavam (having been highly esteemed, you will be reduced to lightness): The word lāghava means lightness or insignificance. Someone who has stood high in the esteem of others will be treated as a person of little weight. The contrast between the former respect and the future contempt is part of the sting.
A further point: mixed motives
Krishna's words invite Arjuna to look honestly at his motives. Part of what he is feeling may truly be compassion. But part of it may be fear, the natural fear of battle, loss, and responsibility, which he has dressed up in noble language. A good teacher helps the student see this without condemning him. Self-examination is a necessary part of acting wisely.
The verse is also a reminder that the gap between intention and perception can be wide, and that we are responsible for how our decisions affect others' trust.
Message for Everyday Life (Examining Our Own Motives)
When we avoid something difficult, it is worth asking whether we are acting on principle or on fear.
Be honest with yourself: Sometimes our reasons are a blend of genuine values and unacknowledged anxiety. Naming both helps us decide more clearly.
Communicate your intentions: Where our reasons are sound but easily misunderstood, thoughtful explanation can prevent needless damage to relationships.
Next Topic
Krishna has warned that the great warriors will see Arjuna's withdrawal as fear and will think less of him. He now completes this picture of disgrace. In the next verse He says that Arjuna's enemies will speak many unspeakable words, mocking his ability, and asks what could be more painful than that.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
People see actions, not intentions.
Admiration is easier to lose than to gain.
Those who know your strength will question your retreat.
Fear can disguise itself as compassion.
A stand taken for good reasons earns lasting respect.
Your past stature is a promise for the future.
Ask whether you're acting from wisdom or from fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'mahāratha' (great warriors) mentioned here?
What does 'bhayāt' (out of fear) mean in this verse?
What does 'lāghava' (lightness, low esteem) mean?
Is Krishna saying we should act just to satisfy others' opinions?
How does this verse connect to the previous one?
Explore related topics
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