यदि मामप्रतीकारमशस्त्रं शस्त्रपाणयः। धार्तराष्ट्रा रणे हन्युस्तन्मे क्षेमतरं भवेत्।।1.46।।
yadi mām apratīkāram aśhastraṁ śhastra-pāṇayaḥ dhārtarāṣhṭrā raṇe hanyus tan me kṣhemataraṁ bhavet
Translation
Alas! How strange it is that we have set our mind to perform this great sin with horrifying consequences. Driven by the desire for kingly pleasures, we are intent on killing our own kinsmen. It would be better if, with weapons in hand, the sons of Dhritarashtra kill me unarmed and unresisting on the battlefield.
Word Meanings
yadi — if; mām — me; apratīkāram — unresisting; aśhastram — unarmed; śhastra-pāṇayaḥ — those with weapons in hand; dhārtarāṣhṭrāḥ — the sons of Dhritarashtra; raṇe — on the battlefield; hanyuḥ — shall kill; tat — that; me — to me; kṣhema-taram — better; bhavet — would be
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Arjuna expresses his deep despair over the situation. He says that, if given the choice, it would be preferable for the sons of Dhritarashtra (his cousins, the Kauravas) to kill him unarmed and unresisting in battle, rather than to go through with the sin of fighting and killing his own family members. His words show the intense moral dilemma he faces — he is caught between his attachment to his relatives and his duty as a warrior. Arjuna realizes that this war, driven by the desire for kingdom and power, is bound to bring misfortune not only to the battlefield but also to the families of those involved. He laments the horrible consequences that will result from this battle. Despite knowing that this war will destroy families and bring destruction, Arjuna is struggling with his compassion and the overwhelming attachment he feels for his loved ones. Arjuna’s statement, "it would be better to be killed unarmed," reveals his inner confusion. He no longer sees the larger picture of his dharma (righteous duty) as a warrior. His compassion, while noble, is blinding him to the necessity of the battle, which is essential to restore dharma in the world. His attachment to his family, driven by material emotions, prevents him from embracing the transcendental perspective, where one must act according to higher principles of duty, beyond the limitations of the material body.
