Verse 1.35 : Arjuna Vishada Yoga "The Grief of Arjuna"
Verse 35 of 47
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The Translation
“O Madhusudana, even if they kill me, I do not wish to kill them, even for the sovereignty of the three worlds, let alone for this earth.”
Commentary & Insights
Arjuna declares his complete refusal to fight, even if it means his own death. He addresses Krishna as Madhusudana (slayer of the demon Madhu). He states that even if he were offered the rule of the three worlds (heaven, earth, and underworld), he would not kill them.
Practical Application
1
Examine if your desire to avoid conflict is motivated by genuine moral principle or by a fear of discomfort and loss of approval.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Identify a time when you wanted to run away from a difficult duty because it felt too painful. Did you try to justify it as a 'noble' choice?
- What is the difference between killing a demon (negative quality) and fighting our attachments to those we love?
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1.35
एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन
Arjuna's statement is based on the false belief that he is the 'doer' who kills, and that the souls of his relatives can be destroyed, showing his lack of self-knowledge.