Guidance for

Courage

Bravery in the face of fear

Act despite fear. The Gita teaches that courage is not the absence of fear, but action in spite of it.

14 verses to guide you • Ancient wisdom for modern challenges

Verses for Courage

We are instruments of divine will

Tasmāt tvam uttiṣhṭha yaśho labhasva jitvā śhatrūn bhuṅkṣhva rājyaṁ samṛiddham, mayaivaite nihatāḥ pūrvam eva nimitta-mātraṁ bhava savya-sāchin

Therefore, arise and attain glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a prosperous kingdom. They are already slain by My arrangement; you are merely an instrument.

  • Outcomes are already determined
  • Act without ego of doership

Treat opposites with equanimity

Sukha-duhkhe same kritva labhalabhau jayajayau, tato yuddhaya yujyasva naivam papam avapsyasi

Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Fulfilling your responsibility in this way, you will never incur sin.

  • Duty transcends personal preference
  • Balanced action prevents karma

Action is better than inaction

Niyatam kuru karma tvam karma jyayo hy akarmanah, sharira-yatrapi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmanah

You should thus perform your prescribed Vedic duties, since action is superior to inaction. By ceasing activity, even your bodily maintenance will not be possible.

  • Even survival requires action
  • Fulfill your responsibilities

Stay true to your own path

Shreyan sva-dharmo vigunah para-dharmat sv-anushthitat, sva-dharme nidhanam shreyah para-dharmo bhayavahah

It is far better to discharge one's prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another's duties perfectly. Better to die performing one's own duty than adopt another's, for that is dangerous.

  • Authenticity over perfection
  • Each person's dharma is unique

Divine grace removes confusion

Arjuna uvaca: Nashto mohah smritir labdha tvat-prasadan mayacyuta, sthito 'smi gata-sandehah karishye vacanam tava

Arjuna said: O infallible Krishna, my illusion is dispelled, and by Your grace I have regained memory. I am now firm and free from doubt, and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.

  • Clarity leads to firm resolve
  • Ready to fulfill one's duty

Divine presence ensures success

Yatra yogeshvarah krishno yatra partho dhanur-dharah, tatra shrir vijayo bhutir dhruva nitir matir mama

Wherever there is Krishna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality.

  • Unity of devotion and action brings victory
  • Righteousness combined with skill is invincible

Surrender all actions to the divine

Mayi sarvani karmani sannyasyadhyatma-cetasa, nirashir nirmamo bhutva yudhyasva vigata-jvarah

Therefore, surrendering all your works unto Me, with mind intent on the self, free from desire and possessiveness, and cured of mental fever, fight.

  • Act without personal agenda
  • Freedom from mental anxiety

How to use these verses

Read slowly and contemplate. Don't rush through these verses. Pick one that resonates and sit with it for a few minutes.

Return regularly. Ancient wisdom reveals itself gradually. Come back to these verses when you need them.

Apply to your situation. Consider how each teaching relates specifically to what you're experiencing right now.

Share what helps. If a verse brings you peace or clarity, share it with others who might need it.

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