Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 4.42

Shloka 4.42

“Therefore, with knowledge’s sword, cut the doubt in your heart, O Arjuna; arise and perform yoga.”

Key Teaching: Knowledge cuts doubt, enabling Arjuna to arise and perform yoga.

Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Yoga.

Description:
Krishna urges Arjuna to use knowledge’s sword to cut the doubt in his heart, arising to perform yoga, concluding Chapter 4. This verse addresses Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he urges action, and Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes knowledge’s power, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s doubt (1.28–46) paralyzes his Kshatriya duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorant resolve (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to fight with knowledge, aligning with Karma and Jnana Yoga (2.47, 4.41). Knowledge resolves doubt, enabling action.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human struggle with doubt, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on knowledge (4.39–41). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to act decisively. The theme of Jnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on knowledgedriven action.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s command objectively, emphasizing its decisive clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s indecision, where knowledge empowers action. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with resolved wisdom, aligning with liberation and concluding Chapter 4.