Verse 1.37 : Arjuna Vishada Yoga "The Grief of Arjuna"
Verse 37 of 47
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The Translation
“Therefore, it is not fit for us to kill the sons of Dhritarashtra, our own kinsmen. O Madhava (husband of Lakshmi), how can we be happy by killing our own relatives?”
Commentary & Insights
Arjuna concludes that he cannot kill them. He addresses Krishna as Madhava (Lord of Fortune / husband of Lakshmi). He asks: How can we find happiness (sukha) if we kill our own relatives? This is a appeal to emotional self-interest: even if we win the kingdom, we will be miserable due to the guilt of killing our family.
Practical Application
1
Reflect on the ethical boundaries of your actions. Are you maintaining a high standard of conduct even when under pressure to compromise?
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- In your life, have you ever chosen short-term comfort over a difficult ethical duty? What was the long-term impact on your peace of mind?
- Reflect on the definition of true happiness. Is it dependent on external conditions, or is it an internal choice?
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1.37
तस्मान्नार्हा वयं हन्तुं धार्तराष्ट्रान्स्वबान्धवान्
Arjuna's question 'how can we be happy?' shows that he is still motivated by the desire for personal happiness, which is the root of worldly bondage (Samsara).