BG 1.45

What a pity that we have decided to commit this great sin, prepared to slay our kinsmen for the pleasures of kingdom.

अहो बत महत्पापं कर्तुं व्यवसिता वयम्
यद्राज्यसुखलोभेन हन्तुं स्वजनमुद्यताः

aho — alas
bata — how
mahat — great
pāpaṁ — sins
kartuṁ — to perform
vyavasitā — have decided
vayam — we
yad — because
rājya-sukha-lobhena — driven by greed for kingly pleasure
- rājya — kingly
- sukha — happiness, pleasure
- lobhena — impelled by lust and greed
  Lobha (लोभ) is a technical term that describes "greed for wealth". The same word in Pali is also used to describe the mentality of greed (lobhamulacittani).
hantuṁ — to kill
sva-janam — kinsmen
- sva — my
- janam — people
udyatāḥ — intending

When a community perishes, its traditions and duties are destroyed, and the families are overcome by immorality.

[40]

When impiety prevails, the women become immoral, and children of mixed social groups are born.

[41]

Promiscuity ruins both the family and those who defile it, depriving the ancestors of ritual offerings.

[42]

By the destruction of lineages and the intermingling of social classes, ancient traditions and family values are destroyed.

[43]

The wise say that those who destroy family traditions are destined for hell.

[44]

What a pity that we have decided to commit this great sin, prepared to slay our kinsmen for the pleasures of kingdom.

[45]

It would be better if the sons of Dhritarashtra should slay me in battle, unarmed and unresisting.

[46]

Summary