Chapter 1 Verse 32-33
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
न काङ्क्षे विजयं कृष्ण न च राज्यं सुखानि च। किं नो राज्येन गोविन्द किं भोगैर्जीवितेन वा।।1.32।। येषामर्थे काङ्क्षितं नो राज्यं भोगाः सुखानि च। त इमेऽवस्थिता युद्धे प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा धनानि च।।1.33।।
na kāṅkṣhe vijayaṁ kṛiṣhṇa na cha rājyaṁ sukhāni cha kiṁ no rājyena govinda kiṁ bhogair jīvitena vā yeṣhām arthe kāṅkṣhitaṁ no rājyaṁ bhogāḥ sukhāni cha ta ime ’vasthitā yuddhe prāṇāṁs tyaktvā dhanāni cha
Word Meanings
| na | nor |
| kāṅkṣhe | do I desire |
| vijayam | victory |
| kṛiṣhṇa | Krishna |
| na | nor |
| cha | as well |
| rājyam | kingdom |
| sukhāni | happiness |
| cha | also |
| kim | what |
| naḥ | to us |
| rājyena | by kingdom |
| govinda | Krishna, he who gives pleasure to the senses, he who is fond of cows |
| kim | what? |
| bhogaiḥ | pleasures |
| jīvitena | life |
| vā | or |
| yeṣhām | for whose |
| arthe | sake |
| kāṅkṣhitam | coveted for |
| naḥ | by us |
| rājyam | kingdom |
| bhogāḥ | pleasures |
| sukhāni | happiness |
| cha | also |
| te | they |
| ime | these |
| avasthitāḥ | situated |
| yuddhe | for battle |
| prāṇān | lives |
| tyaktvā | giving up |
| dhanāni | wealth |
| cha | also |
Translation
I desire not victory, O Krishna, nor kingdom, nor pleasures. What use is dominion to us, O Krishna, or pleasures or even life? Those for whose sake we desire kingdom, enjoyments, and pleasures stand here in battle, having renounced life and wealth.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Arjuna says that victory, a kingdom, and sensual pleasures mean nothing to him now. When those he loves and respects stand ready to die for their beliefs, winning and ruling feel hollow.
Philosophically, this teaches that goals lose their worth when they cost the people or values we care about. True value lies in life lived with conscience and compassion, not in power or comfort gained at the expense of others.
The verse points to a deeper wisdom: detach from the fruit of action when those fruits conflict with duty, relationships, or moral truth. It encourages choosing what is ethically important over what is tempting or prestigious.
Life Application
- Before pursuing a promotion, reward, or pleasure, ask whether it harms your relationships or integrity; prioritize people and values.
- When making a hard decision, focus on what is right and compassionate, not just on personal gain.
- Practice stepping back from outcomes: do your duty honestly and let go of attachment to success.
Reflection Question
Would I give up my relationships or values to achieve this goal?