Chapter 2 • Verse 34
अकीर्तिं चापि भूतानि कथयिष्यन्ति तेऽव्ययाम्। सम्भावितस्य चाकीर्तिर्मरणादतिरिच्यते॥
akīrtiṁ chāpi bhūtāni kathayiṣhyanti te 'vyayām sambhāvitasya chākīrtir maraṇād atirichyate
Meaning
People will speak of your everlasting dishonor. For a respectable person, dishonor is worse than death.
Reputation matters, especially for those who have established themselves. Living in dishonor is a kind of death worse than physical death. Preserve your integrity.
Strength Reflection
"I protect my integrity and reputation through right action, not through avoidance of challenge."
Devotional Surrender
Lord, let me always act in ways that honor You and Your teachings.