kṣatriyasya yaśo loke jagato yaśasaḥ sadā / nivṛttyāgrahaṇād raṇe na dāpyād rājabhiḥ sadā
“A kṣatriya's fame, which brings him constant worldly renown, should never be sullied by taking back his words in a battle or yielding to kings.”
Structure
kṣatriyasya yaśo loke jagato yaśasaḥ sadā nivṛtti-āgrahaṇāt raṇe na dāpyāt rājabhiḥ sadā
kṣatriyasya (of a kṣatriya) loke (in the world) jagato (of the world) yaśasaḥ (of fame) yaśo (fame) sadā (always) raṇe (in battle) nivṛtti-āgrahaṇāt (from turning back or fleeing) na dāpyāt (must not be given) rājabhiḥ (by kings) sadā (always)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kṣatriyasya | kṣatriyasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the kṣatriya |
| yaśo | yaśo | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | glory |
| loke | loke | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the world |
| jagato | jagato | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the world |
| yaśasaḥ | yaśasaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of glory |
| sadā | sadā | indeclinable | — | always |
| nivṛtti- | nivṛtti- | compound | tatpuruṣa · "nivṛtti" | cessation |
| āgrahaṇāt | āgrahaṇāt | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | from taking hold of |
| raṇe | raṇe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in battle |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| dāpyāt | dāpyāt | verb | √dā · optative · third | should be given |
| rājabhiḥ | rājabhiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | by kings |
| sadā | sadā | indeclinable | — | always |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of steadfastness in one's words and actions, a quality that resonates with the non-dual perspective of Advaita Vedanta. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita highlights the concept of 'nivritti' or renunciation, not just of worldly possessions but also of egoistic tendencies. In the context of this verse, the kshatriya's refusal to retreat from battle reflects a commitment to duty (dharma) that transcends personal gain or fear. This unwavering dedication points to the ultimate reality of Brahman, where all distinctions, including those between the self (atman) and the absolute (Brahman), are resolved. The kshatriya's unshakeable resolve thus symbolizes the unchanging and eternal nature of the self, mirroring the advaitic notion of the identity between the individual self (atman) and the universal self (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as emphasizing the importance of loyalty and honor, virtues that are central to the devotee's relationship with the divine. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, interprets the concept of 'yaśas' (fame) as not merely worldly recognition but as the recognition of one's true nature as a servitor of the Lord. The kshatriya's determination to uphold his word and stand by his principles, even in the face of adversity, reflects the unwavering commitment of the devotee to the will of Īśvara. This verse thus underscores the Vaiṣṇava principle of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the individual surrenders their ego and will to the divine, exemplified in the kshatriya's selfless adherence to his duty, mirroring the selfless love of the devotee for the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekananda often spoke about the need for courage, perseverance, and dedication in the pursuit of one's goals. This verse, with its emphasis on the kshatriya's unwavering commitment to his word and his duty, resonates deeply with Vivekananda's vision of a strong and self-reliant individual. In his lectures and writings, Vivekananda frequently drew upon the ideals of the kshatriya class, advocating for a blend of physical, mental, and spiritual strength as the foundation for personal and national development. The kshatriya's resolve not to back down, as mentioned in this verse, symbolizes the unyielding spirit that Vivekananda believed was necessary for overcoming the challenges of life and for achieving true freedom and self-realization. This verse, therefore, offers a universal message about the importance of integrity, courage, and steadfastness in the face of adversity, principles that are as relevant today as they were in ancient times.