Chapter 1 Verse 43
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
दोषैरेतैः कुलघ्नानां वर्णसङ्करकारकैः। उत्साद्यन्ते जातिधर्माः कुलधर्माश्च शाश्वताः।।1.43।।
doṣhair etaiḥ kula-ghnānāṁ varṇa-saṅkara-kārakaiḥ utsādyante jāti-dharmāḥ kula-dharmāśh cha śhāśhvatāḥ
Word Meanings
| doṣhaiḥ | through evil deeds |
| etaiḥ | these |
| kula-ghnānām | of those who destroy the family |
| varṇa-saṅkara | unwanted progeny |
| kārakaiḥ | causing |
| utsādyante | are ruined |
| jāti-dharmāḥ | social and family welfare activities |
| kula-dharmāḥ | family traditions |
| cha | and |
| śhāśhvatāḥ | eternal |
Translation
By these evil deeds of the destroyers of the family, which cause confusion of castes, the eternal religious rites of the caste and the family are destroyed.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse warns that selfish or harmful actions by people in a family or community can break the moral and social patterns that hold that group together. When those patterns are destroyed, the regular practices and duties that supported spiritual life and social stability begin to vanish.
Spiritually, the teaching points to the long-term effect of actions: choices do not only affect one person but shape the character and values passed to the next generation. The verse calls for protecting what is truly lasting—honesty, duty, care for others—so the spiritual life of the family and community continues.
The message is not blind conservatism. It asks us to preserve the core moral truths that nurture human flourishing, and to avoid behaviors that confuse or corrupt those truths.
Life Application
- Act as a clear example: choose honesty, respect, and responsibility so your children and neighbors learn from your behavior.
- Keep simple, steady practices (prayer, family meals, service) that teach values by doing, not just by talking.
- Notice and correct harmful habits early; gently repair relationships and stop patterns that lead others astray.
Reflection Question
Which of my daily habits will help or harm the values I want my family to inherit?