Chapter 2, Verse 36

अवाच्यवादांश्च बहून् वदिष्यन्ति तवाहिताः।
निन्दन्तस्तव सामर्थ्यं ततो दुःखतरं नु किम्।।2.36।।

avāchya-vādānśh cha bahūn vadiṣhyanti tavāhitāḥ
nindantastava sāmarthyaṁ tato duḥkhataraṁ nu kim

avāchya-vādān — using harsh words;
cha — and;
bahūn — many;
vadiṣhyanti — will say;
tava — your;
ahitāḥ — enemies;
nindantaḥ — defame;
tava — your;
sāmarthyam — might;
tataḥ — than that;
duḥkha-taram — more painful;
nu — indeed;
kim — what

In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is talking to Arjuna, who is feeling weak and confused about fighting in battle. Krishna points out that if Arjuna does not stand up and fulfill his duty as a warrior, people who oppose him will speak badly about him. They will insult him and say hurtful things that question his courage and skills.

Krishna is emphasizing that this criticism from his enemies can cause Arjuna even more pain than the battle itself. It’s like saying, if you avoid doing what is necessary and allow your fears to control you, you might face terrible ridicule from those who wish you harm. He’s basically saying, 'Imagine how much worse it would feel to be called a coward or to be insulted by others than to face the fight.'

This conversation helps Arjuna realize that there are greater consequences to giving in to his feelings of weakness. Instead of allowing the fear of battle to stop him, Krishna encourages Arjuna to think about his duty as a warrior. The pain of shame and loss of honor in the eyes of others can be harder to bear than the hardships of battle itself.

Ultimately, Krishna is guiding Arjuna to rise above his current state, reminding him that facing challenges, even when they are difficult, is a part of life. Instead of letting fear and compassion for others hold him back, he should act according to his responsibilities and values. This lesson serves as a broader message that sometimes we must confront uncomfortable situations instead of avoiding them because the alternative may lead to even greater suffering.