Bhagavad Gita BG 2.37
Chapter 2, Verse 37 — Meaning, Translation & Explanation
हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम् । तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः ॥ ३७ ॥
hato vā prāpsyasi svargaṃ jitvā vā bhokṣyase mahīm tasmād uttiṣṭha kaunteya yuddhāya kṛta-niścayaḥ
Meaning
If you are killed, you will attain heaven; if you win, you will enjoy the earth. Therefore arise, O son of Kunti, with determination to fight.
Understanding
One of the most famous verses on the warrior's unloseable position. Two outcomes — both positive: 'hato vā' (if slain) → heaven (svargam prāpsyasi); 'jitvā vā' (if victorious) → enjoy the earth (mahīm bhokṣyase). The word 'vā...vā' (either...or) eliminates any losing scenario. 'Tasmāt uttiṣṭha' — therefore arise! — the same command from verse 3. 'Kṛta-niścayaḥ' — with firm resolve, with your decision made. The hesitation must end.
Word by Word
| Word | IAST | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| हतः | hataḥ | if slain / if killed |
| प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गम् | prāpsyasi svargam | you will attain heaven |
| जित्वा | jitvā | having won / if victorious |
| भोक्ष्यसे महीम् | bhokṣyase mahīm | you will enjoy the earth |
| उत्तिष्ठ | uttiṣṭha | arise! / stand up! |
| कृतनिश्चयः | kṛta-niścayaḥ | with firm resolve / with decision made |
| वा | vā | or / either (disjunctive) |
| तस्मात् | tasmāt | therefore |
| कौन्तेय | kaunteya | O son of Kunti (Arjuna) |
| युद्धाय | yuddhāya | for battle / to fight (dative) |