1. Arjuna's Dilemma

Arjun Viṣhād Yog

BG 1.35

I would not slay them for dominion over the three worlds, let alone for the sake of one kingdom on Earth.

एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन
अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतोः किं नु महीकृते

  • etān — these

  • na — not

  • hantum — to slay

  • ichchhāmi — I wish

  • ghnato — killed

  • ’pi — even though

  • madhusūdana — Krishna
    Refers to Krishna as "killer of the demon Madhu"

  • api — even though

  • trailokya-rājyasya — dominion over the three worlds

    • trailokya — three worlds

    • rājyasya — dominion, kingship

  • hetoḥ — for the sake of

  • kiṁ nu — what to speak of

  • mahī-kṛite — for the earth

    • mahī — the earth

    • kṛite — for the sake of

...1.32

Those for whose sake we desire this kingdom, stand here in battle, ready to give up their lives and wealth.

[33]

These are our teachers, fathers, grandfathers, sons, uncles, in-laws, and kinsmen.

[34]

I would not slay them for dominion over the three worlds, let alone for the sake of one kingdom on Earth.

[35]

What pleasure will there be in killing the sons of Dhritarashtra? We would only incur sin by killing these aggressors.

[36]

How can we be happy after killing our own family and friends?

[37]

Even though their minds are so overpowered by greed that they see no problem in killing their relatives and friends,

[38]

why should we, who clearly see the evil in killing our own clan, not turn away from committing this crime?

[39]

1.40...
Chapter 1, Verse 35