Bhagavad Gita 2.36 — Enemies Will Say Unspeakable Things: What Could Be More Painful?
अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून्वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः।
निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम्॥ २.३६॥
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Your enemies will speak many unspeakable words, ridiculing your capability. What could be more painful than that?
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| avāchyavādān | unspeakable words, words not worth speaking |
| cha | and |
| bahūn | many |
| vadiṣhyanti | will speak |
| tava | your |
| ahitāḥ | enemies, ill-wishers |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| nindantaḥ | ridiculing, criticising |
| tava | your |
| sāmarthyam | strength, capability |
| tataḥ | than that |
| duḥkhataram | more painful |
| nu | indeed |
| kim | what |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| avāchyavādān | unspeakable words, words not worth speaking | nindantaḥ | ridiculing, criticising |
| cha | and | tava | your |
| bahūn | many | sāmarthyam | strength, capability |
| vadiṣhyanti | will speak | tataḥ | than that |
| tava | your | duḥkhataram | more painful |
| ahitāḥ | enemies, ill-wishers | nu | indeed |
| kim | what | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse Lord Krishna finishes His appeal on the subject of reputation by describing the insults Arjuna would have to hear from his enemies. They would speak many unworthy words and ridicule his strength. Krishna asks, what could be more painful than that? The verse closes the argument that began with verse 31.
Essence
The taunts of enemies
Lord Krishna says avācyavādāṃś ca bahūn vadiṣyanti tavāhitāḥ. Your enemies will say many things that ought not to be said. The word avācya refers to words that are unfit to be spoken, insulting and ugly. Ahitāḥ means those who do not wish you well.
Nindantas tava sāmarthyam (ridiculing your capacity): The attack is aimed at Arjuna's sāmarthya, his ability and strength. He is among the finest archers in the world, and his entire identity as a warrior rests on competence and courage. To have that mocked would strike at the heart of his self-image.
Tato duḥkhataram nu kim (what is more painful than that?): Krishna ends with a rhetorical question. He wants Arjuna to feel the weight of the consequences before moving on to the resolution in the next verse.
The structure of Krishna's practical argument
Looking back over verses 31 to 36, we can see the pattern of the teaching. First comes the positive argument: duty and opportunity (31–32). Then comes the negative argument: loss of duty, honour, and standing, and the sin of avoiding a righteous responsibility (33–36). Krishna has appealed to Arjuna's sense of dharma, his honour, and his pride, so that he can see his position from several angles.
These arguments, however, are not the Gita's final word. They are the first stage of a longer teaching that will lead Arjuna from duty driven by honour to duty performed as selfless offering, in which praise and blame lose their power over the mind.
Message for Everyday Life (Facing Criticism Wisely)
Criticism and ridicule can be intensely painful, particularly when directed at the abilities we are proud of. This verse acknowledges that pain honestly.
Do not let fear of mockery decide your path: Consider whether you are avoiding something worthwhile because of what others might say.
Build inner steadiness: As the Gita progresses, it teaches that real freedom lies in acting from duty and conscience, so that praise and blame do not shake us.
The taunts of enemies
Lord Krishna says avācyavādāṃś ca bahūn vadiṣyanti tavāhitāḥ. Your enemies will say many things that ought not to be said. The word avācya refers to words that are unfit to be spoken, insulting and ugly. Ahitāḥ means those who do not wish you well.
Nindantas tava sāmarthyam (ridiculing your capacity): The attack is aimed at Arjuna's sāmarthya, his ability and strength. He is among the finest archers in the world, and his entire identity as a warrior rests on competence and courage. To have that mocked would strike at the heart of his self-image.
Tato duḥkhataram nu kim (what is more painful than that?): Krishna ends with a rhetorical question. He wants Arjuna to feel the weight of the consequences before moving on to the resolution in the next verse.
The structure of Krishna's practical argument
Looking back over verses 31 to 36, we can see the pattern of the teaching. First comes the positive argument: duty and opportunity (31–32). Then comes the negative argument: loss of duty, honour, and standing, and the sin of avoiding a righteous responsibility (33–36). Krishna has appealed to Arjuna's sense of dharma, his honour, and his pride, so that he can see his position from several angles.
These arguments, however, are not the Gita's final word. They are the first stage of a longer teaching that will lead Arjuna from duty driven by honour to duty performed as selfless offering, in which praise and blame lose their power over the mind.
Message for Everyday Life (Facing Criticism Wisely)
Criticism and ridicule can be intensely painful, particularly when directed at the abilities we are proud of. This verse acknowledges that pain honestly.
Do not let fear of mockery decide your path: Consider whether you are avoiding something worthwhile because of what others might say.
Build inner steadiness: As the Gita progresses, it teaches that real freedom lies in acting from duty and conscience, so that praise and blame do not shake us.
Next Topic
Krishna has described the shame and ridicule that would follow Arjuna's withdrawal and has asked what could be more painful. Having shown both sides, He now draws the practical conclusion. In the next verse He tells Arjuna that if he is killed he will attain heaven, and if he wins he will enjoy the earth, and therefore he should rise with determination to fight.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Words wound longest when they touch our worth.
Enemies talk loudest when you step back.
Don't let others write your story of weakness.
Ridicule hurts when you doubt yourself.
Strength is shown by standing steady in criticism.
The best reply to ridicule is right action.
Know your worth before others question it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'avāchyavāda' (unspeakable words) mean?
Who are the 'ahita' (enemies, ill-wishers)?
What does 'sāmarthya' (strength, capability) refer to?
Why does Krishna say 'duḥkhataram' (more painful)?
What is the larger purpose of verses 2.31 to 2.36?
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