Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 1.33

Shloka 1.33

“Those for whom we desire kingdom, enjoyments, and pleasures stand here in battle, abandoning life and wealth.”

Key Teaching: Arjuna laments the sacrifice of kin for whom worldly gains are sought.

Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Conflict.

Description:
Arjuna continues his lament, noting that the kin for whom he seeks kingdom, enjoyments, and pleasures—relatives like Bhishma and Drona—are now standing in battle, ready to abandon life and wealth. This verse deepens his moral crisis (1.28–32), emphasizing the futility of fighting for gains that benefit those who will die. The themes of vishada, as despair dominates, dharma, as he questions his warrior duty, and conflict, as family ties complicate the war, are central.

In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas fight to reclaim their kingdom, but Arjuna sees the irony of winning it at the cost of kin (1.26–27). His focus on their willingness to sacrifice life and wealth contrasts with Duryodhana’s ambition (1.3–11), highlighting Arjuna’s emotional and ethical sensitivity. Krishna’s presence foreshadows guidance to resolve this conflict (2.2–3).

Philosophically, this verse reflects the human struggle to justify actions that harm loved ones for material goals, a theme Krishna addresses with teachings on detachment (2.47). Arjuna’s lament underscores the conflict between his Kshatriya dharma and compassion, intensifying his despair. The theme of vishada highlights his emotional turmoil as he questions the war’s purpose.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Arjuna’s lament objectively, emphasizing its significance in the war’s context. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s dilemmas, where personal values challenge societal duties. Arjuna’s focus on the sacrifice of kin prepares readers for Krishna’s teachings on acting selflessly without attachment to outcomes.