Verses 32–33
na kāṅkṣe vijayaṁ kṛṣṇa na ca rājyaṁ sukhāni ca
kiṁ no rājyena govinda kiṁ bhogairjīvitena vā
yeṣām arthe kāṅkṣitaṁ no rājyaṁ bhogāḥ sukhāni ca
ta ime ’vasthitā yuddhe prāṇāṁs tyaktvā dhanāni ca
Word-by-Word Meanings:
- na — not
- kāṅkṣe — do I desire
- vijayam — victory
- kṛṣṇa — O Krishna
- na — nor
- ca — and
- rājyam — kingdom
- sukhāni — pleasures
- ca — also
- kiṁ — what use
- naḥ — to us
- rājyena — is the kingdom
- govinda — O Govinda (another name for Krishna)
- kiṁ — what use
- bhogaiḥ — enjoyments
- jīvitena — life
- vā — or
- yeṣām — for whose
- arthe — sake
- kāṅkṣitam — desired
- naḥ — by us
- rājyam — kingdom
- bhogāḥ — enjoyments
- sukhāni — pleasures
- ca — also
- te — they
- ime — these
- avasthitāḥ — are present
- yuddhe — in battle
- prāṇān — lives
- tyaktvā — having renounced
- dhanāni — wealth
- ca — also
Verse 32:
O Krishna, I do not desire victory, kingdom, or pleasures. Of what use is the kingdom to us, O Govinda? What use are enjoyments or even life itself?
Verse 33:
Those for whose sake we desire kingdom, enjoyments, and pleasures are standing here in battle, having renounced their lives and wealth.
Expanded Commentary and Interpretation
Arjuna’s Deepening Despondency
In these verses, Arjuna’s internal conflict reaches a profound depth. He begins to question the very purpose of the war and the value of its rewards. The kingdom, the pleasures, and even life itself seem meaningless to him when he realizes that those for whom he seeks these gains are the very ones he must confront in battle.
Contextual Flow:
Prior to these verses, Arjuna experiences intense physical and emotional turmoil upon seeing his kinsmen arrayed for battle. Now, this turmoil translates into a philosophical and existential crisis, where he questions the worth of victory and its associated rewards.
Psychological and Emotional Analysis
1. The Futility of Material Gains
Arjuna’s lament underscores a universal human experience: the realization that material achievements are hollow when devoid of meaningful relationships. He recognizes that the kingdom and pleasures he might gain are worthless if they come at the cost of the lives of his loved ones.
- Personal Reflection: Have you ever achieved a goal only to find it less fulfilling without the presence of certain people?
2. Conflict Between Duty and Emotion
Arjuna’s duty as a warrior (Kshatriya) is to fight for righteousness. However, his emotional attachments create a dissonance between his role and his feelings. This internal conflict is a testament to the complexity of human duties and relationships.
- Personal Reflection: Have you faced situations where your professional responsibilities clashed with personal relationships?
Symbolism and Deeper Meaning
1. The Illusion of Control
Arjuna’s realization points to the impermanence of life and material possessions. The people for whom he desires the kingdom are now ready to sacrifice everything, highlighting the transient nature of worldly attachments.
- Spiritual Insight: Recognizing the fleeting nature of life can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s true purpose beyond material gains.
2. The True Meaning of Victory
Victory is often associated with external achievements. However, Arjuna’s introspection suggests that true victory lies in inner peace and harmony, not in conquering others.
- Spiritual Insight: Real success is measured by inner contentment rather than external conquests.
Philosophical Reflections
1. The Relativity of Desires
Desires are often shaped by external circumstances and relationships. Arjuna’s shift in perspective illustrates how desires can become irrelevant when the context changes.
- Philosophical Question: Are our desires truly our own, or are they molded by our environment and associations?
2. The Ethics of War
Arjuna’s hesitation brings forth the moral dilemmas associated with war. Even when the cause is just, the human cost can make the victory seem pyrrhic.
- Philosophical Question: Can the ends always justify the means, especially when human lives are at stake?
Reflection Questions
- Reevaluating Goals: Have you ever achieved something only to find it less satisfying without certain people to share it with?
- Duty vs. Emotion: How do you navigate situations where your professional duties conflict with personal relationships?
- Impermanence of Life: How does understanding the transient nature of life influence your priorities and desires?
- True Success: Do you measure success by external achievements or internal contentment?
Conclusion
Arjuna’s introspection in these verses serves as a profound reminder of the complex interplay between duty, desire, and relationships. It challenges us to reflect on our own **