गुरूनहत्वा हि महानुभावान् श्रेयो भोक्तुं भैक्ष्यमपीह लोके। हत्वार्थकामांस्तु गुरूनिहैव भुञ्जीय भोगान् रुधिरप्रदिग्धान्
Arjuna believes that killing his revered teachers for material gains would lead to enjoyment tainted with guilt and bloodshed. He feels that living a life of alms, though materially less rewarding, would preserve his conscience and honor, as it avoids the grave sin of killing those he respects and owes his learning to.
Confusion can be the beginning of an honest conversation. If career or family advice seems contradictory, ask a trusted person a specific question rather than asking them to decide your whole life.
Go deeper into this verse
what does Arjuna say about the consequences of killing his teachers?
Arjuna expresses that if he were to kill his teachers, any wealth and pleasures he gains would be stained with their blood. He implies that such gains would be morally tainted, making them undesirable despite their material value.
In Chapter 2, Verse 5, what philosophical dilemma is Arjuna facing when he mentions the blood-stained wealth?
Arjuna is grappling with the moral conflict between his duty as a warrior and his personal values. He questions the righteousness of achieving material success through unethical means, such as killing his respected teachers. This highlights the philosophical debate of ends versus means and the importance of ethical integrity in one's actions.
What does Arjuna mean by 'blood-stained wealth and pleasures'?
Arjuna refers to the idea that any wealth or pleasures obtained through the act of killing his revered teachers would be tainted with their blood. This metaphor signifies the moral corruption and guilt that would accompany any material benefits gained through such unethical actions.
In Chapter 2, Verse 5, who is expressing the dilemma about killing teachers and why?
It is Arjuna who is expressing this dilemma. He is deeply troubled by the prospect of killing his teachers, whom he holds in high regard and reverence. Arjuna's internal conflict stems from his duty as a warrior to fight in the battle and his moral obligation to respect and honor his teachers, leading him to question the righteousness of his actions in the war.
Better in this world to eat even the beggar's crust than to slay these most noble Gurus. Slaying these Gurus, our well-wishers, I should taste of blood-besprinkled feasts.