Chapter 1 – Arjuna’s Despondency
Verse 33
Yeshaam’, arthe, kaankshitam’, naH, raajyam’, bhogaH, sukhaani, ch,
Te, ime, avasthitaH, yuddhe, praanaan’, tyaktva, dhanaani, ch ||33||
Shloka Meaning in English:
Those for whom we desire kingdom, pleasures, and happiness — they are the very ones standing here on the battlefield, having renounced their lives and wealth.
Simple Explanation / Elaboration:
Arjuna says —
“O Krishna! The ones for whom I have desired kingdom, luxury, and comforts in life — like my grandfather (Bhishma), revered teachers (Dronacharya), brothers, sons, grandsons, and cousins — they are now standing before me, ready to fight, having put their very lives at stake. If they no longer remain, then for whom is this kingdom and prosperity?”
This shloka clearly reveals Arjuna's mental anguish. He feels the futility of the war — when one must kill their own loved ones, what value does such a victory hold?
Philosophical Insight:
This shloka points toward the idea that —
- If the purpose of life is merely material pleasures and possessions, then it remains incomplete without close relationships and human values.
- Arjuna is trapped in moha (emotional attachment), torn between his duty (dharma) and affection (maya).
