Chapter 1 • Verse 31

Arjuna Vishada Yoga

The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection

Sanskrit Verse

nimittani ca pashyami viparitatni keshava, na ca shreyo 'nupashyami hatva sva-janam ahave

Translation & Meaning

Arjuna tells Krishna that he sees only inauspicious omens and cannot perceive any good in killing his kinsmen in battle. He is looking for signs that would validate his inclination to withdraw, but the omens he perceives are filtered through his grief rather than read with dispassionate wisdom.

Key Teachings

  • Grief can distort our perception of signs and omens, making us see only what we fear
  • Seeking external validation for an emotional decision is not the same as discerning dharma
  • True wisdom requires distinguishing between what we feel and what is objectively right

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