Chapter 1 – Arjuna’s Despondency
Verse 34
AachaaryaH, pitarH, putraH, tatha, ev, ch, pitaamahaH,
MaatulaH, shwashuraH, pautraH, shyaalaH, sambandhinH, tatha ||34||
English Meaning:
(O Krishna!) Teachers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, maternal uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and other relatives — all are standing before us in battle.
Simple Explanation / Elaboration:
Arjuna says to Lord Krishna —
“O Madhava! Those standing before me in this war are not strangers — they are my teachers, fathers, grandfathers, sons, uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and other dear relatives. Seeing this, my heart is deeply disturbed. Can I ever attain righteousness or glory by killing my own loved ones?”
This shloka reflects Arjuna's emotional turmoil and his deep attachment to family. He is mentally broken at the thought of fighting a war against his own kin, whom he loves and respects.
Philosophical Insight:
- When one walks the path of duty (dharma), personal emotions often become a source of inner conflict.
- Arjuna’s attachment shows that as long as one makes decisions based solely on blood relations, they may deviate from the path of justice and righteousness.
- The very purpose of the Gita’s teaching begins here — to free Arjuna from attachment (moha) and establish him firmly on the path of dharma.
