Verse 3
Klaibyaṁ mā sma gamaḥ Pārtha naitat tvayyupapadyate
Kṣudraṁ hṛdaya-daurbalyaṁ tyaktvottiṣṭha parantapa
Word-by-Word Meaning:
- Klaibyam — Impotence / Unmanliness / Weakness
- Mā sma gamaḥ — Do not yield to / Do not succumb to
- Pārtha — O son of Pritha (Arjuna)
- Na etat — This does not
- Tvayi upapadyate — Becomes you / Befit you
- Kṣudram — Petty / Mean / Low
- Hṛdaya-daurbalyam — Weakness of heart / Emotional frailty
- Tyaktvā — Abandoning / Giving up
- Uttiṣṭha — Rise / Stand up
- Parantapa — Scorcher of foes / Conqueror of enemies
Do not yield to this unmanliness, O Partha. It does not befit you. Abandon this petty weakness of heart and arise, O destroyer of enemies!
Expanded Meaning:
This verse continues Krishna’s spiritual exhortation to Arjuna, with even more intensity and urgency. Krishna uses powerful language here—not to shame, but to ignite the dormant strength in Arjuna.
He calls Arjuna to reject emotional paralysis and to rise to his kshatriya dharma—his sacred duty as a warrior and protector.
Contextual Analysis:
- Klaibyam — Impotence / Cowardice
This term, although sharp, is used to shake Arjuna from tamas (inertia). It implies a lack of spiritual virility—the courage to act righteously. - Na etat tvayi upapadyate — It Does Not Befit You
Krishna says: This attitude is not worthy of you, Arjuna. You are a hero, a prince, a disciple of dharma—why are you acting like this? - Kṣudraṁ hṛdaya-daurbalyam — Petty Weakness of the Heart
Arjuna’s state is not one of noble renunciation, but mental fragility. Krishna defines it as smallness of spirit—a weakness to be conquered. - Tyaktvā… uttiṣṭha — Abandon & Rise
This is the core teaching: Drop your emotional weakness and stand up—literally and spiritually. - Parantapa — The One Who Scorches Enemies
Krishna reminds Arjuna of who he truly is. “You are Parantapa, not this trembling man!” This title reconnects Arjuna to his inner valor and past glories.
Philosophical Interpretation:
- Spiritual Bravery as the Foundation of Dharma
The Gita is not about passivity—it demands moral courage and emotional resilience. Sattva (clarity) is not soft—it is firm and grounded. - True Masculinity / Strength is Dharma-Aligned Action
“Klaibyam” doesn’t merely refer to gender—it refers to a failure to stand for truth. True strength is not in domination but in righteous action without fear. - From Paralysis to Power
Krishna teaches that emotions must not overpower action. One may feel deeply—but still must act wisely and courageously. - Upliftment Through Identity Reminder
Krishna doesn’t give Arjuna a new identity—he reminds him of his true inner nature, which fear had clouded. The Gita is about reclaiming the Self.
Spiritual Symbolism:
| Symbol | Inner Meaning |
|---|---|
| Klaibyam | Cowardice in the face of truth / Fear dressed as renunciation |
| Hṛdaya-daurbalyam | Emotional weakness born of attachment and delusion |
| Tyaktvā | Spiritual detachment — letting go of tamas (inertia) |
| Uttiṣṭha | Rise in consciousness, willpower, and dharmic clarity |
| Parantapa | Inner warrior who scorches ignorance and self-doubt |
Modern-Day Relevance:
- In the modern context, we often confuse fear with peace, and paralysis with humility.
- Krishna’s command is timeless: “Do not sink into weakness disguised as morality.”
- Whenever we find ourselves overwhelmed by indecision, fear of judgment, or guilt, this verse asks us to stand up with purpose.
- Inner Arjuna in us wants to flee. Inner Krishna urges us to rise.
Reflection Questions:
What does “emotional weakness” look like in your life?
Are there responsibilities you’re avoiding by calling it “non-attachment”?
What would it mean for you to “rise” in your current life situation?
Can you identify your “Parantapa” nature — the self that acts with clarity and strength?
Conclusion:
In this powerful verse, Krishna pushes Arjuna (and all of us) to transcend fear, guilt, and hesitation. The call is not just to fight a war — but to fight inner tamas, to reject inertia, and to live one’s dharma boldly and with devotion.
Krishna’s voice is the call of our highest self:
“You are not weak. You are not confused. You are divine.
Stand up, remember who you are, and act in truth.“