Bhagavad Gita · Verse 1.33
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (अर्जुनविषादयोगः)
(Arjuna spoke)
येषामर्थे काङ्क्षितं नो राज्यं भोगाः सुखानि च । त इमेऽवस्थिता युद्धे प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा धनानि च ॥३३॥
yeṣāmarthe kāṅkṣitaṃ no rājyaṃ bhogāḥ sukhāni ca | ta ime'vasthitā yuddhe prāṇāṃstyaktvā dhanāni ca ||33||
Complete Shloka Translation
Those for whose sake we desired a kingdom, enjoyments, and happiness stand here in battle, having put their lives and wealth at risk.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| येषामर्थे | yeṣām arthe | for whose sake |
| काङ्क्षितम् | kāṅkṣitam | was sought / desired |
| नः | naḥ | by us |
| राज्यम् | rājyam | kingdom and power |
| भोगाः | bhogāḥ | luxuries and enjoyments |
| सुखानि | sukhāni | happiness and prosperity |
| च | ca | and |
| ते | te | they |
| इमे | ime | these very people |
| अवस्थिताः | avasthitāḥ | stand arrayed |
| युद्धे | yuddhe | in battle |
| प्राणान् | prāṇān | their lives |
| त्यक्त्वा | tyaktvā | staking / ready to forfeit |
| धनानि | dhanāni | wealth and fortunes |
| च | ca | and |
for whose sake
was sought / desired
by us
kingdom and power
luxuries and enjoyments
happiness and prosperity
and
they
these very people
stand arrayed
in battle
their lives
staking / ready to forfeit
wealth and fortunes
and
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This is Arjuna's explanation for his rejection of victory's rewards. The phrase about abandoning lives and wealth conveys willingness to hazard them in battle, not a report of deaths already occurring.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"The people who made the rewards valuable may be lost in obtaining them."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Could pursuing my goal harm the people it was meant to benefit?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Shared Joy as the True Worth of Achievement: Arjuna reflects that the very people for whom we desire success are arrayed to die. Success is only sweet when shared with a community and loved ones. Solitary triumph in an emotional wasteland is hollow.