Verse 36
nihatya dhārtarāṣṭrān naḥ kā prītiḥ syāj janārdana
pāpam evāśrayed asmān hatvaitān ātatāyinaḥ
Word-by-Word Meanings:
- nihatya — having killed
- dhārtarāṣṭrān — the sons of Dhritarashtra
- naḥ — our
- kā — what
- prītiḥ — pleasure
- syāt — would there be
- janārdana — O Janardana (Krishna)
- pāpam — sin
- eva — certainly
- āśrayet — would accrue
- asmān — to us
- hatvā — by killing
- etān — these
- ātatāyinaḥ — aggressors
O Janardana, what pleasure will we derive from killing the sons of Dhritarashtra? Sin alone will accrue to us by killing these aggressors.
Expanded Commentary and Interpretation
Arjuna’s Moral Quandary Deepens
In this verse, Arjuna’s internal conflict intensifies as he contemplates the consequences of killing his own kin, the sons of Dhritarashtra. He questions the true value of victory and the moral ramifications of his actions.
Contextual Flow:
Building upon his previous expressions of doubt and sorrow, Arjuna now delves into the ethical implications of the battle. He acknowledges that the Kauravas are ātatāyinaḥ (aggressors), yet he is deeply concerned about the sin (pāpam) that would result from their deaths.
Psychological and Emotional Analysis
1. The Conflict Between Duty and Conscience
Arjuna’s role as a Kshatriya (warrior) obliges him to fight against injustice. However, his conscience rebels against the idea of killing his own relatives, leading to a profound internal struggle.
- Personal Reflection: Have you ever faced a situation where your professional responsibilities conflicted with your personal morals? How did you navigate that dilemma?
2. Questioning the Fruits of Victory
By asking, “What pleasure will we derive?” Arjuna is reevaluating the rewards of his actions. He realizes that even a victorious outcome may be tainted with guilt and sorrow.
- Personal Reflection: Have you pursued a goal only to find its achievement less fulfilling than anticipated? What factors contributed to that realization?
Symbolism and Deeper Meaning
1. The Notion of Aggressors (Ātatāyinaḥ)
In traditional scriptures, ātatāyinaḥ refers to individuals who commit severe crimes and, according to dharma, can be justly punished. Arjuna’s hesitation to kill even such individuals highlights his compassion and moral sensitivity.
- Spiritual Insight: True righteousness involves not just adhering to duty but also considering the ethical nuances of each situation.
2. Sin (Pāpam) as a Consequence
Arjuna’s concern about incurring sin reflects the belief that actions against one’s conscience lead to spiritual degradation, regardless of their justification.
- Spiritual Insight: Aligning actions with inner moral values is crucial for spiritual integrity.
Philosophical Reflections
1. The Relativity of Dharma
Arjuna’s predicament underscores the complexity of dharma (righteousness). What is deemed right in one context may be questionable in another, especially when personal relationships are involved.
- Philosophical Question: Is dharma absolute, or does it adapt based on context and personal values?
2. The Ethics of Justified Violence
Even when facing aggressors, Arjuna questions the morality of responding with violence, prompting a reflection on whether ends justify means.
- Philosophical Question: Can violence ever be truly justified, even in self-defense or for a perceived greater good?
Reflection Questions
Balancing Duty and Ethics: How do you reconcile professional obligations with personal morals when they conflict?
Evaluating Success: Have you achieved something that felt hollow due to the means employed? How did that impact your future decisions?
Understanding Aggression: How do you respond to aggression in your life? Do you believe in retaliation, forgiveness, or a different approach?
Concept of Sin: How do you define ‘sin’ in your personal belief system? Is it based on societal norms, personal conscience, or religious teachings?
Conclusion
Arjuna’s introspection in this verse serves as a profound exploration of the moral complexities inherent in human actions. His reluctance to kill, despite the justification of facing aggressors, highlights the intricate balance between duty and conscience. This verse invites readers to reflect deeply on their own values, the consequences of their actions, and the true meaning of righteousness.