न काङ्क्षे विजयं कृष्ण न च राज्यं सुखानि च। किं नो राज्येन गोविन्द किं भोगैर्जीवितेन वा।।1.32।।
na kāṅkṣhe vijayaṁ kṛiṣhṇa na cha rājyaṁ sukhāni cha kiṁ no rājyena govinda kiṁ bhogair jīvitena vā
Translation
For whose sake we seek kingdom, its pleasures and happiness, the very same persons stand arrayed to fight, giving up their life and wealth.
Word Meanings
na — nor kāṅkṣhe — do I desire vijayam — victory kṛṣhṇa — Krishna na — nor cha — as well rājyam — kingdom sukhāni — happiness cha — also kim — what naḥ — to us rājyena — by kingdom govinda — Krishna, he who gives pleasure to the senses, he who is fond of cows kim — what? bhogaiḥ — pleasures jīvitena — life vā — or
Understanding the Verse
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 32, Arjuna continues to express his deep moral conflict. He reflects on the futility of seeking victory, wealth, and happiness if the cost is the loss of his loved ones. Arjuna points out that the very people he is supposed to fight against—their lives, wealth, and families—are at risk. These are not enemies to him, but his own relatives, teachers, and friends. He questions the value of any material gain, such as kingdom, victory, or worldly pleasures, if it results in the destruction of those he holds dear. Arjuna’s moral dilemma deepens as he realizes that the very essence of life and happiness cannot be found in material possessions or in the triumph of battle. He rejects the idea of gaining a kingdom or enjoying its pleasures when it comes at the cost of his loved ones’ lives. His moral reasoning stems from compassion and attachment to his family, but it also highlights his growing awareness that material pursuits such as victory and wealth are meaningless in the face of such profound loss. This verse reflects Arjuna’s disillusionment with the concept of worldly success, showing his detachment from victory and material pleasures. However, this detachment is not rooted in spiritual wisdom but in his attachment to his loved ones. Arjuna’s struggle is not only about the physical battle but also an internal battle between his duty (as a Kshatriya) and his compassion for his family. Arjuna’s spiritual growth begins at this moment, as he starts to question the deeper purpose of life and war. His attachment to worldly assets like victory and pleasure leads him to ask: what is the use of them if they result in such devastating consequences? This question sets the stage for Lord Krishna's teachings on duty (dharma), selflessness, and the nature of true happiness.
