Bhagavad Gita · Verse 1.36
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (अर्जुनविषादयोगः)
(Arjuna spoke)
निहत्य धार्तराष्ट्रान्नः का प्रीतिः स्याज्जनार्दन । पापमेवाश्रयेदस्मान्हत्वैतानाततायिनः ॥३६॥
nihatya dhārtarāṣṭrānnaḥ kā prītiḥ syājjanārdana | pāpamevāśrayedasmānhatvaitānātatāyinaḥ ||36||
Complete Shloka Translation
Janardana, what satisfaction would we gain by killing Dhritarashtra's sons? Sin alone would come upon us if we killed these aggressors.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| निहत्य | nihatya | by slaying / killing |
| धार्तराष्ट्रान् | dhārtarāṣṭrān | the sons of Dhritarashtra |
| नः | naḥ | to us |
| का | kā | what |
| प्रीतिः | prītiḥ | delight / satisfaction |
| स्यात् | syāt | can there be |
| जनार्दन | janārdana | O Janardana (Krishna) |
| पापम् | pāpam | sin / guilt |
| एव | eva | only / alone |
| आश्रयेत् | āśrayet | would overcome / cling to |
| अस्मान् | asmān | us |
| हत्वा | hatvā | by slaughtering |
| एतान् | etān | these |
| आततायिनः | ātatāyinaḥ | vicious aggressors / criminals |
by slaying / killing
the sons of Dhritarashtra
to us
what
delight / satisfaction
can there be
O Janardana (Krishna)
sin / guilt
only / alone
would overcome / cling to
us
by slaughtering
these
vicious aggressors / criminals
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Atatayin denotes a grave aggressor, so Arjuna's claim contains a tension rather than a simple denial of wrongdoing on the other side. He acknowledges aggression but remains unconvinced that killing these relatives can bring a good result.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Arjuna fears moral wrongdoing even while acknowledging the others as aggressors."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which duties seem to conflict, and have I examined both carefully?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Long-Term Regret of Unprincipled Action: Arjuna asks what enduring joy can come from killing aggressors. Short-term relief derived from vengeful acts always turns into long-term psychological remorse and moral guilt.