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← Chapter 4: The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Verse 4.42

Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit

तस्मादज्ञानसम्भूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनात्मनः। छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत।।

Transliteration (IAST)

tasmād ajñāna-sambhūtaṁ hṛt-sthaṁ jñānāsinātmanaḥ chittvainaṁ saṁśayaṁ yogam ātiṣṭhottiṣṭha bhārata

Word-by-Word Meanings

tasmāt-therefore
ajñāna-sambhūtam-born of ignorance
hṛt-stham-situated in the heart
jñānāsinā-by the sword of knowledge
chittvā-cutting
saṁśayam-doubt

Translation

Therefore the doubts which have arisen in your heart out of ignorance should be slashed by the weapon of knowledge. Armed with yoga, O Bhārata, stand and fight.

Commentary

The chapter concludes with a powerful call to action. The sword of knowledge (jñānāsi) must cut the doubt (saṁśaya) born of ignorance that resides in the heart. Krishna's final command - 'uttiṣṭha' (arise) - echoes the Gita's fundamental message: knowledge is not for withdrawal but for empowered, decisive action.

Themes

jnanakarmadharmayoga