The Yoga of Knowledge

After establishing duty and consequence, Krishna addresses social reality. 'Akīrtim avyayām' (everlasting dishonor)—not temporary embarrassment but permanent stain. Stories of cowardice outlast lifetimes. 'Sambhāvitasya' (for the honored one)—key qualifier: Arjuna isn't random; he's celebrated warrior-prince. With honor comes responsibility. 'Akīrtiḥ maraṇād atiricyate' (dishonor worse than death)—provocative but real: social death (losing integrity, role, purpose) cuts deeper than physical death. Why? Living as betrayer of your dharma corrupts ongoing existence. This isn't 'care what people think'—it's recognizing your refusal harms those who depend on you. A doctor abandoning patients, parent leaving children—the dishonor isn't about image but broken trust.