Chapter 1 Verse 38-39
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
यद्यप्येते न पश्यन्ति लोभोपहतचेतसः। कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं मित्रद्रोहे च पातकम्।।1.38।। कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभिः पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम्। कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन।।1.39।।
yady apy ete na paśhyanti lobhopahata-chetasaḥ kula-kṣhaya-kṛitaṁ doṣhaṁ mitra-drohe cha pātakam kathaṁ na jñeyam asmābhiḥ pāpād asmān nivartitum kula-kṣhaya-kṛitaṁ doṣhaṁ prapaśhyadbhir janārdana
Word Meanings
| yadi api | even though |
| ete | they |
| na | not |
| paśhyanti | see |
| lobha | greed |
| upahata | overpowered |
| chetasaḥ | thoughts |
| kula-kṣhaya-kṛitam | in annihilating their relatives |
| doṣham | fault |
| mitra-drohe | to wreak treachery upon friends |
| cha | and |
| pātakam | sin |
| katham | why |
| na | not |
| jñeyam | should be known |
| asmābhiḥ | we |
| pāpāt | from sin |
| asmāt | these |
| nivartitum | to turn away |
| kula-kṣhaya | killing the kindered |
| kṛitam | done |
| doṣham | crime |
| prapaśhyadbhiḥ | who can see |
| janārdana | he who looks after the public, Shree Krishna |
Translation
Though they, with intelligence overpowered by greed, see no evil in the destruction of families and no sin in hostility to friends, Why should we not, who clearly see the evil in the destruction of families, learn to turn away from this sin, O Janardana (Krishna)?
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Arjuna observes that greed blinds people so they cannot see the harm in destroying family ties or betraying friends. When desire rules the mind, even clear moral wrongs look acceptable.
He asks why those who do see the wrong should not try to stop it. This points to a deeper spiritual idea: knowledge and conscience bring responsibility. Seeing the truth means one should act to prevent harm, guided by duty (dharma) and love for others.
The verse calls us to choose inner clarity over temptation. It reminds us that protecting relationships and community is a spiritual duty, not just a social one.
Life Application
- Notice when money, fame, or fear push a group toward harmful choices; pause and ask if the action hurts people you care about.
- Refuse to join or support actions that break trust or harm families—speak up, step back, or seek help.
- Let conscience guide small daily choices: be honest, keep promises, and protect those dependent on you.
Reflection Question
Am I willing to stop or speak against something wrong, even if others support it?