तस्मान्नार्हा वयं हन्तुं धार्तराष्ट्रान्स्वबान्धवान्। स्वजनं हि कथं हत्वा सुखिनः स्याम माधव।।1.37।।
tasmān nārhā vayaṁ hantuṁ dhārtarāṣhṭrān sa-bāndhavān sva-janaṁ hi kathaṁ hatvā sukhinaḥ syāma mādhava
Translation
BG 1.37: How could we be happy indeed, O Madhava, after slaying our own kinsmen?
Word Meanings
tasmāt — hence na — never arhāḥ — behoove vayam — we hantum — to kill dhārtarāṣhṭrān — the sons of Dhritarashtra sva-bāndhavān — along with friends sva-janam — kinsmen hi — certainly katham — how hatvā — by killing sukhinaḥ — happy syāma — will we become mādhava — Shree Krishna, the husband of Yogmaya
Understanding the Verse
In Chapter 1, Verse 37 of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna continues to wrestle with the moral dilemma of killing his own family members and relatives in the battle. He addresses Krishna as Madhava, which highlights Krishna as the beloved of Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of divine wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Arjuna asks, “How can we possibly be happy after killing our own kinsmen, even if they are on the opposing side?” Arjuna’s reflection stems from his deep attachment to his family, friends, and teachers. The idea of killing those he loves and respects fills him with a sense of moral revulsion. In his eyes, no victory—be it over the kingdom or over the three worlds—could bring joy if it is tainted by the loss of his loved ones. Arjuna emphasizes that killing relatives, even in war, would be immoral and sinful. He believes that, despite the wrongdoings of the Kauravas, slaying his own family members would only bring grief and sorrow. This verse reflects Arjuna’s inner struggle as he contemplates the profound consequences of such an action. The concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) is central to Arjuna’s reasoning. The Vedas and other sacred texts teach that violence is inherently sinful, and one should avoid it unless absolutely necessary, such as in self-defense. Arjuna’s unwillingness to kill stems from his belief in the sanctity of life, even in the context of a battle where his adversaries are his relatives. This moment of deep moral contemplation sets the stage for Krishna's guidance on performing one’s duty (dharma) without attachment to the fruits of actions (Karma Yoga). Krishna’s teachings will help Arjuna overcome his emotional conflict and guide him on how to navigate his moral responsibilities in the battlefield.
