Bhagavad Gita · Verse 1.34
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (अर्जुनविषादयोगः)
(Arjuna spoke)
आचार्याः पितरः पुत्रास्तथैव च पितामहाः । मातुलाः श्वशुराः पौत्राः श्यालाः सम्बन्धिनस्तथा ॥३४॥
ācāryāḥ pitaraḥ putrāstathaiva ca pitāmahāḥ | mātulāḥ śvaśurāḥ pautrāḥ śyālāḥ sambandhinastathā ||34||
Complete Shloka Translation
Teachers, fathers and elders, sons, grandfathers, maternal uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and other relatives are among them.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| आचार्याः | ācāryāḥ | teachers and masters |
| पितरः | pitaraḥ | fathers and paternal elders |
| पुत्राः | putrāḥ | sons |
| तथा एव च | tathā eva ca | as well as likewise |
| पितामहाः | pitāmahāḥ | grandfathers |
| मातुलाः | mātulāḥ | maternal uncles |
| श्वशुराः | śvaśurāḥ | fathers-in-law |
| पौत्राः | pautrāḥ | grandsons |
| श्यालाः | śyālāḥ | brothers-in-law |
| सम्बन्धिनः | sambandhinaḥ | all other kindred and connections |
| तथा | tathā | likewise |
teachers and masters
fathers and paternal elders
sons
as well as likewise
grandfathers
maternal uncles
fathers-in-law
grandsons
brothers-in-law
all other kindred and connections
likewise
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This roster identifies the people referred to in the preceding verse. The breadth of generations and family ties explains why a political victory cannot be assessed only through territory or power in Arjuna's argument.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Arjuna names the relationships behind his objection instead of speaking only of opposing soldiers."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Have I considered the different relationships touched by this choice?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
The Weight of Multi-Generational Bonds: Enumerating teachers, uncles, and grandsons reflects the deep intergenerational fabric of human community. Breaking multi-generational trust leaves psychological wounds that echo for decades.