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Bhagwad Gita (English) | Chapter 1 | Verse 43

Chapter 1, Verse 43

Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra

O Krishna, maintainer of the people, I have heard by disciplic succession that those who destroy family traditions dwell always in hell.


Verse

दोषैरेतैः कुलघ्नानां वर्णसङ्करकारकैः।
उत्साद्यन्ते जातिधर्माः कुलधर्माश्च शाश्वताः।।1.43।।


doṣhair etaiḥ kula-ghnānāṁ varṇa-saṅkara-kārakaiḥ
utsādyante jāti-dharmāḥ kula-dharmāśh cha śhāśhvatāḥ

Meaning of each word

doṣhaiḥ — through evil deeds;
etaiḥ —
these;
kula-ghnānām —
of those who destroy the family;
varṇa-saṅkara —
unwanted progeny;
kārakaiḥ —
causing;
utsādyante —
are ruined;
jāti-dharmāḥ —
social and family welfare activities;
kula-dharmāḥ —
family traditions;
cha —
and;
śhāśhvatāḥ —
eternal

Interpretation

In this verse, Arjuna is expressing his deep concern about the consequences of fighting against his family members in battle. He refers to the teachings he has received from wise teachers and traditions, emphasizing that his views are not just based on his feelings but are rooted in established knowledge. He understands that when people act in ways that destroy their family values and traditions, it leads to serious problems.

Arjuna explains that by killing their own relatives, they would not just be harming individuals, but also creating chaos in their family and community. The phrase "those who destroy family traditions" refers to individuals who, driven by greed or anger, disregard the values that have been passed down through generations. This can lead to a breakdown of social order, where important practices that ensure harmony and well-being are lost.

When those family values are lost, it can result in negative outcomes, like immoral behavior among the family members and the birth of unwanted children. In other words, if families fall apart, it leads to a nasty cycle that can harm everyone involved, making society unstable.

Arjuna highlights a serious warning: he has been taught that those who contribute to such destruction might end up in hell, which signifies suffering or a bad fate for their misdeeds. It suggests that failing to honor family traditions carries significant consequences.

In essence, Arjuna is advocating for the protection of family values and the importance of considering the long-term effects of actions on society and family life. He believes that fighting and killing can never be justified if it means harming those we love and respect, like family and friends. This fear of the loss of tradition and the possible suffering that comes from chaotic actions weighs heavily on him, influencing his perspective on the war and his role in it.


Other Verses of Chapter 1
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