Chapter 1 • Verse 38

Arjuna Vishada Yoga

The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection

Sanskrit Verse

yadyapy ete na pashyanti lobhopahata-cetasah, kula-kshaya-kritam dosham mitra-drohe ca patakam

Translation & Meaning

Arjuna argues: even if those whose minds are overpowered by greed see no fault in destroying family or betraying friends, why should we commit this sin? He correctly diagnoses the Kauravas' moral blindness but uses it as a reason for inaction rather than for righteous opposition.

Key Teachings

  • •Greed destroys moral perception, making the greedy blind to their own sins
  • •Seeing the moral failures of others does not justify our own abdication of duty
  • •Correct diagnosis of an enemy's fault does not automatically prescribe withdrawal as the cure

Topics

ethicsmoral dilemmawisdomdutyconflict
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