A Confused State of Mind Leads to Unnecessary Fears

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Arjuna Vishada Yogam: Chapter 1: Verse 36

पापमेवाश्रयेदस्मान्हत्वैतानाततायिन: |

तस्मान्नार्हा वयं हन्तुं धार्तराष्ट्रान्स्वबान्धवान् |

स्वजनं हि कथं हत्वा सुखिन: स्याम माधव || 36||

pāpam evāśhrayed asmān hatvaitān ātatāyinaḥ

tasmān nārhā vayaṁ hantuṁ dhārtarāṣhṭrān sa-bāndhavān

sva-janaṁ hi kathaṁ hatvā sukhinaḥ syāma mādhava || 36||

Shloka Translation

BG – Ch. 1- Ver. 36: What pleasure shall we receive from killing these Dhritarashtra’s kin, Janardhana? We will only commit sin if we kill these people. Even if they are offender’s, if we kill them, we will undoubtedly commit sin. As a result, killing our own cousins, Dhritarashtra’s sons, and friends is not in our best interests. How can we hope to be happy by killing own relatives, Madhava (Krishna)?

 Explanation

The phrase “despite though” is used once more by Arjuna in this verse to emphasize his refusal to kill his family members. He added, “Even though I am aware that they are willing to attack us, I feel it would be a sin to kill my uncle Dhritarashtra’s offspring,” addressing Shree Krishna as Janardhana, sustainer of the multitude.

Arjuna was not an ordinary individual. He desired to interact with them in a saintly manner because of his inherent goodness. A Kshatriya, however, is not suited for this level of devotion. Although a man in charge of a state’s administration must be pious, he shouldn’t be cowardly.

However, in Arjuna’s case, it is important to take into account the particular aggressors, such as his own grandfather, teacher, friends, sons, and grandkids. They led Arjuna to believe that he shouldn’t take the drastic measures required to defend himself against common aggressors. Saintly people are also counselled to forgive. These rules for holy people are more significant.

Arjuna reasoned that it would be better to pardon them rather than kill his own kinsmen for political purposes. Therefore, he did not view such killing as profitable just for the sake of momentary bodily fulfilment. Because kingdoms and the joys they bring are transient, why should he risk losing his life and his chance at heaven by killing his own family members?

This context further highlights the significance of Arjuna’s addressing of Krishna as “Madhava,” or the husband of the goddess of fortune. As the spouse of the goddess of fortune, he felt that Krishna should not have to persuade Arjuna to take on a matter that would ultimately result in misfortune. But Krishna never brings bad luck.

 Reflection

Arjuna continued to make his argument for not engaging in battle by stating that doing so would result in sin. Recognizing the Gita’s message depends on understanding this important issue. Shri Krishna would have spoken if he thought Arjuna’s deed was sinful. However, as we can see, even after hearing this statement, Shri Krishna remained silent.

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, 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 verses, we will know what more Arjuna continues to say in a confused state of mind.

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