Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.42
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
तस्मादज्ञानसम्भूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनात्मनः । छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत ॥४२॥
tasmādajñānasambhūtaṃ hṛtsthaṃ jñānāsinātmanaḥ | chittvainaṃ saṃśayaṃ yogamātiṣṭhottiṣṭha bhārata ||42||
Complete Shloka Translation
Therefore, cut with the sword of knowledge this doubt in your heart born of ignorance. Take your stand in yoga and rise, O descendant of Bharata.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ज्ञानासिना | jñānāsinā | with the sword of knowledge |
| उत्तिष्ठ | uttiṣṭha | rise |
| तस्मादज्ञानसम्भूतं | tasmādajñānasambhūtaṃ | [term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ... |
| हृत्स्थं | hṛtsthaṃ | [term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ... |
| ज्ञानासिनात्मनः | jñānāsinātmanaḥ | [term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ... |
| छित्त्वैनं | chittvainaṃ | [term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ... |
| संशयं | saṃśayaṃ | [term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ... |
| योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ | yogamātiṣṭhottiṣṭha | [term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ... |
| भारत | bhārata | [term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ... |
| ४२ | bhārata | [term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ... |
with the sword of knowledge
rise
[term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ...
[term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ...
[term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ...
[term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ...
[term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ...
[term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ...
[term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ...
[term] in context of Therefore, cut with the sword ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The sword is a metaphor for knowledge cutting ignorance-born doubt. Krishna closes by asking Arjuna to practice yoga and act, returning insight to the battlefield decision.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Let clarified understanding become the basis for your next responsible step."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What responsible step follows from what you now understand?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.