8. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 35-39 (Managing Challenging Relationships)

Bhagavad Gita Advanced Lessons for the Western Mind

Chapter 1, Verses 35: Arjuna expresses his unwillingness to fight and kill his relatives, even if they try to kill him. He states that he doesn't desire to fight for the sake of winning the kingdom, even if it means gaining sovereignty over the three worlds (heaven, earth, and the lower worlds). Arjuna's stance is that the loss of loved ones is not worth the potential gains of war, regardless of the consequences of walking away from the battlefield.

Chapter 1, Verses 36: Arjuna questions the satisfaction that would come from destroying the sons of Dhritarashtra (Kauravas). He believes that killing these wrongdoers would only bring sin upon them (the Pandavas). Here, Arjuna introduces the concept of papa (sin or demerit) and its counterpart, punya (merit). He explains that any action performed has two kinds of results: seen (drsta phalam) and unseen (adrsta phalam). The immediate results are apparent, but the unseen results manifest later in life or future lives. Arjuna is concerned about the negative unseen consequences (papa) that would result from causing destruction and suffering.

Chapter 1, Verses 37: Arjuna further justifies his position, stating that if both the seen and unseen results of fighting will be unfavorable, there is no reason to engage in war. He believes that killing one's own relatives (Kauravas) would only lead to future suffering and unhappiness. Arjuna's concern is not merely about being kind to his cousins but about the personal consequences of committing actions that go against his values. He emphasizes that doing the right thing should be motivated by one's own well-being, not just as a favor to others.

Chapter 1, Verses 38-39: These verses highlight Arjuna's exalted thinking and his refusal to conform to the misguided actions of others. Even though the Kauravas, whose minds are overpowered by greed, fail to see the faults in destroying family and betraying friends, Arjuna chooses to act according to his own wisdom and values. He questions why the Pandavas, who understand the sinful consequences of destroying family, should not withdraw from such actions. Arjuna's stance is that one should guide their decisions based on what they believe is right, rather than succumbing to societal norms or the behavior of others. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's ethical standards, regardless of what others are doing.

See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/