कुलक्षये प्रणश्यन्ति कुलधर्माः सनातनाः। धर्मे नष्टे कुलं कृत्स्नमधर्मोऽभिभवत्युत।।1.40।।
kula-kṣhaye praṇaśhyanti kula-dharmāḥ sanātanāḥ dharme naṣhṭe kulaṁ kṛitsnam adharmo ’bhibhavaty uta
Translation
BG 1.40: When a dynasty is destroyed, its traditions get vanquished, and the rest of the family becomes involved in irreligion.
Word Meanings
kula-kṣhaye — in the destruction of a dynasty praṇaśhyanti — are vanquished kula-dharmāḥ — family traditions sanātanāḥ — eternal dharme — religion naṣhṭe — is destroyed kulam — family kṛitsnam — the whole adharmaḥ — irreligion abhibhavati — overcome uta — indeed
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Arjuna explains the consequences of destroying a family. He states that when a family is destroyed, its traditions and values are lost, leading to the breakdown of righteousness (dharma). This loss causes the whole family to be involved in irreligion (adharma), which disrupts the moral fabric of society. Arjuna recognizes that the elders in the family are the custodians of virtue, passing down wisdom and moral guidance. If they are lost, the younger generation may fall into immorality and stray from the righteous path. Arjuna is concerned that this will lead to chaos and a collapse of societal values. In summary, Arjuna warns that destroying family traditions leads to spiritual decay and the rise of immorality, which harms both individuals and society.
