निहत्य धार्तराष्ट्रान्नः का प्रीतिः स्याज्जनार्दन। पापमेवाश्रयेदस्मान्हत्वैतानाततायिनः
Arjuna is addressing Krishna, also referred to as Janardana, when he expresses his concern about slaying the sons of Dhritarashtra.
Arjuna’s distress makes the cost of conflict visible. When a decision affects people you care about, pausing to understand your emotions can be more useful than pretending to be certain.
Go deeper into this verse
What sentiment does Arjuna express towards killing the sons of Dhritarashtra in this teaching on Krsna?
Arjuna expresses a sentiment of despair and moral conflict. He questions the happiness that can come from killing the sons of Dhritarashtra and worries that such an act would lead them to sin.
Why does Arjuna refer to the sons of Dhritarashtra as 'desperadoes'?
Arjuna refers to the sons of Dhritarashtra as 'desperadoes' because he sees them as aggressors who are unjustly pursuing war. Despite this, he still feels that killing them would result in sin, highlighting his internal struggle with the morality of the battle.
What is the implication of Arjuna's question about happiness in killing the sons of Dhritarashtra?
Arjuna's question implies that true happiness cannot be achieved through violence and sin. He is contemplating the moral consequences of his actions and questioning whether the end justifies the means, indicating his deep moral and ethical dilemma.
How does Arjuna's concern about sin reflect a broader philosophical dilemma in this teaching on Krsna?
Arjuna's concern about sin reflects the broader philosophical dilemma of duty versus morality. He is caught between his duty as a warrior to fight and his moral compass that warns against killing. This conflict highlights the struggle to balance righteousness with the consequences of one's actions, a central theme in the Bhagavad Gita.
Slaying these sons of Dhritarâshtra, what pleasure can be ours, O Janârdana? Killing these desperadoes, sin will but take hold of us.