Attachments Deviate A Person From The Path of Dharma

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Arjuna Vishada Yogam: Chapter 1: Verse 32 – 35

किं नो राज्येन गोविन्द किं भोगैर्जीवितेन वा

येषामर्थे काङ्क्षितं नो राज्यं भोगा: सुखानि च || 32||

त इमेऽवस्थिता युद्धे प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा धनानि च

आचार्या: पितर: पुत्रास्तथैव च पितामहा: आचार्या: पितर: पुत्रास्तथैव च पितामहा: ||33||

मातुला: श्वशुरा: पौत्रा: श्याला: सम्बन्धिनस्तथा

एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन || 34||

अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतो: किं नु महीकृते

निहत्य धार्तराष्ट्रान्न: का प्रीति: स्याज्जनार्दन || 35||

kim no rajyena govinda kim bhogair jivitena va

yesam arthe kanksitam no rajyam bhogah sukhani cha|

| 32||

ta ime ‘vasthita yuddhe pranams tyaktva dhanani cha

acaryah pitarah putras tathaiva ca pitamahah ||33||

matulah svasurah pautrah syalah sambandhinas tatha

etan na hantum icchami ghnato ‘pi Madhusudana || 34||

api trailokya-rajyasya hetoh kim nu mahi-krte

nihatya dhartarastran nah ka pritih syaj janardana || 35||

Shloka Translation

BG – Ch. 1- Ver. 32 – 35:

O Govinda, what use are kingdoms, happiness, or even life itself to us when everyone for whom we might yearn is gathered on this battlefield right now? O Madhusudana, why should I want to kill them even if I survive when teachers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, maternal uncles, father-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and all family members are standing before me willing to give up their lives and possessions? I’m not willing to fight with them, O Protector of All Creatures, not even for the three worlds, let alone for this planet.

Explanation

Distinction from material possessions is a noble quality. Arjuna had moral and virtue-based notions, but they weren’t spiritual feelings. They were growing as a result of their sympathy and connection for his family. A soul receives calm, harmony, and satisfaction through spiritual thoughts. Arjuna’s condition was different, though; he was confused, disillusioned, and losing control of his body and mind.

Arjuna began to think about his relationships with the numerous warriors he could see on the battlefield. His mentors were Dronacharya and Kripacharaya, his maternal uncles Kuntibhoj, Purujit, Shalya, and Shakuni, and his grand uncles Bheeshma and Somadutta. The 100 Kauravas were the sons of his uncle Dhritarashra; their sons, grandsons, and a number of other relatives had gathered there in preparation for a fight to the death.

Arjuna used the term api, which means “even though,” twice in this verse. He says, “O Madhusudan, I do not intend to murder them even though I am aware that they are anxious to do so,” and then addresses Shree Krishna as Madhusudan, the killer of a demon by the name of Madhu. He reconfirms, “Even though for the sake of winning against the three.”

Reflection

Because he was debating the worth of life itself, Arjuna was engulfed in a severe depression that bordered on suicidal thoughts. Here, Arjuna justifies why it is pointless to live or complete the mission that he had agreed to complete, furthering his descent into illusion. His confusion caused him to confuse his interpersonal relationships with those related to his mission.

Here, Arjuna effectively restated his claim that he does not wish to engage in combat since everyone he engages in combat with will almost certainly be either a friend or a relative.   he addressed Shri Krishna directly in each verse, trying to win his approval or favour. Shri Krishna remained silent throughout Arjuna’s irrational outburst because he wanted to wait until it was over before speaking.

Arjuna attempted to use the second verse, which talks about not wishing victory in the three worlds, to cover up his cowardice and excuse his decision to stop fighting.

To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.

There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, and meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There is also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

In the next verse, we will know how Arjuna continues to speak his thoughts having been overcome by sorrow.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…