A core teaching · inspiring in mood · a little context helps
“Knowledge cuts doubt, and then action becomes possible again.”
Therefore, O Bharata, cut away this doubt in your heart, born of ignorance, with the sword of knowledge. Stand in yoga and rise up for battle.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
Read literallytherefore · born of ignorance · situated in the heart · with the sword of knowledge · of the self · having cut · this · doubt · in yoga · stand in · rise up · O Bharata
Knowledge should cut through inner doubt, and then you should stand steady and act. Krishna is telling Arjuna to stop wavering and rise for battle.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga" (Knowledge and Renunciation of Action).
Verse 42 sits in Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita — Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga, "Knowledge and Renunciation of Action". The chapter has 42 verses in total.
For months, a father has been unsure whether to take a loan for his daughter's wedding hall. Once he has the facts, Krishna's advice applies: cut through the doubt with what you know, then stand up and act.
Did you like this verse?
Krishna tells Arjuna to cut doubt with the sword of knowledge, stand in yoga and rise for battle.
What this verse means
Knowledge should cut through inner doubt, and then you should stand steady and act. Krishna is telling Arjuna to stop wavering and rise for battle.
Context & commentary
Krishna ends this part of his teaching with one final command for Arjuna, still frozen while the war waits: use clear understanding to cut away the doubt born of ignorance, then stand up and fight.
What it looks like today
For months, a father has been unsure whether to take a loan for his daughter's wedding hall. Once he has the facts, Krishna's advice applies: cut through the doubt with what you know, then stand up and act.
“Doubt loses power when you face it directly instead of obeying it.”
Explore related themes: kurukshetra (95 verses)