kathaṁ na jñeyam asmābhiḥ pāpād asmān nivartitum
kula-kṣhaya-kṛitaṁ doṣhaṁ prapaśhyadbhir janārdana
katham — why;
na — not;
jñeyam — should be known;
asmābhiḥ — we;
pāpāt — from sin;
asmāt — these;
nivartitum — to turn away;
kula-kṣhaya — killing the kindered;
kṛitam — done;
doṣham — crime;
prapaśhyadbhiḥ — who can see;
janārdana — he who looks after the public, Shree Krishna
This verse talks about what happens when a family or lineage falls apart, especially because of fighting or killing within it. In traditional societies, families follow certain customs and values that help them live good lives and respect their heritage. These values are passed down through generations, often led by the elders or senior family members.
The verse emphasizes that if a family loses its elders—like grandparents or respected relatives—because of conflict or violence, the important traditions that guide everyone will also be lost. When the elders are not around to teach and guide, the younger members of the family might stray away from the values they're supposed to learn. This might lead them to adopt bad habits or behaviors that go against their upbringing.
For example, consider a family that has always valued honesty and hard work. If the elders are gone and the younger generation is left without guidance, they may start to think that dishonesty or laziness is acceptable if it means getting ahead quicker or having an easier life. This shift can cause a breakdown in moral values, leading to behaviors that are not just harmful to themselves but also to the wider community.
Thus, the verse stresses that fighting or killing even a single member of the family, especially the elders, is not acceptable. The potential for losing absolute values and traditions outweighs any temporary gain one might achieve through conflict. Instead of finding victories in battles, one should focus on preserving these vital family traditions and values for the sake of future generations. Killing one’s family members leads to a chain of negative consequences, not just for that family but for society as a whole. In this way, the verse highlights the importance of family, respect for one’s elders, and maintaining a connection to inherited values.