BG 1.38

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

यद्यप्येते न पश्यन्ति लोभोपहतचेतसः
कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं मित्रद्रोहे च पातकम्

yady apy — even though
ete — they
na — not
paśhyanti — see
lobhopahata-chetasaḥ — thoughts overpowered by greed
- lobha — greed
- upahata — overpowered
- chetasaḥ — thoughts
kula-kṣhaya-kṛitaṁ — in killing their community
- kula — community, clan, tribe
- kṣhaya — destruction
- kṛitaṁ — accomplishment
doṣhaṁ — fault
mitra-drohe — to wreak treachery upon friends
- mitra — friends, allies
- drohe — treachery, offense
cha — and
pātakam — sin

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]

Summary