Chapter 1 Verse 34-35

Teachers, fathers, sons, and grandfathers, maternal uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and other relatives— These I do not wish to kill, O Krishna, even though they kill me, for the sake of dominion over the three worlds; leave alone killing them for the sake of the earth."

Core Meaning

Arjuna names his teachers, fathers, sons, and other close relatives and says he cannot kill them, even if they kill him, for the sake of ruling the world. This shows his deep love and the moral shock he feels at the idea of destroying his own family for power.

Philosophically, the verse points to the conflict between duty and attachment. It asks whether any worldly gain—no matter how grand—justifies harm to those we love. The inner voice that resists violence for the sake of ambition is a moral compass pointing toward compassion and long-term harm avoidance.

At a deeper level, Krishna will later guide Arjuna to see duty with clarity: true right action balances responsibility with wisdom, not blind attachment or selfish desire. The verse invites honest self-examination about the motives behind our choices and their cost to others.

Life Application

• Before making big decisions, pause and ask whether the short-term gain will damage relationships or your inner peace.
• Choose nonviolent, respectful solutions (talking, mediation, compromise) over actions that harm loved ones for ambition or pride.
• Act from clear values: do your duty, but keep compassion and long-term consequences in view.

Reflection Question

Would I trade a relationship I care about for success or power?