Chapter 1 • Verse 33

Arjuna Vishada Yoga

The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection

Sanskrit Verse

yesham arthe kankshitam no rajyam bhogah sukhani ca, ta ime 'vasthita yuddhe pranams tyaktva dhanani ca

Translation & Meaning

Arjuna continues: those for whose sake we desire kingdoms, enjoyments, and pleasures are themselves standing here in battle, having given up their lives and wealth. The very people whose welfare motivates his desire for victory are the ones who will be destroyed in achieving it — a devastating logical trap.

Key Teachings

  • When the means destroys the end, the pursuit loses all justification
  • Attachment to specific people as the purpose of our actions can paralyze us when those people are threatened
  • Arjuna's logic, while emotionally compelling, mistakes the part for the whole of dharma

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