Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 1.36

Shloka 1.36

“By killing these kinsmen, O Krishna, we incur sin; why should we do this?”

Key Teaching: Arjuna views killing kin as sinful, questioning the war’s morality.

Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Ethics.

500-Word Description:
Arjuna declares that killing his kinsmen—Bhishma, Drona, and others—would incur sin, questioning the war’s moral justification. This verse, continuing his lament (1.28–35), marks a shift to explicit ethical objections, as he prioritizes avoiding sin over fulfilling his warrior duty. The themes of vishada, as despair drives his objections, dharma, as he questions righteous action, and ethics, as he focuses on moral consequences, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s concern for sin reflects Vedic principles, where harming revered figures like teachers and elders violates dharma. His question contrasts with Duryodhana’s focus on victory (1.3–11), highlighting Arjuna’s moral sensitivity to the war’s cost. Krishna’s silent presence foreshadows guidance to address this ethical dilemma (2.2–3).

Philosophically, this verse captures the human fear of moral consequences in difficult actions, a theme Krishna addresses with teachings on selfless duty (2.47). Arjuna’s focus on sin complicates his Kshatriya dharma, as compassion for kin outweighs his warrior role, intensifying his despair. The theme of ethics emerges, emphasizing moral responsibility.

Sanjaya’s narration captures Arjuna’s objection objectively, framing it within the war’s context. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s ethical challenges, where fear of wrongdoing hinders action. Arjuna’s concern for sin sets the stage for Krishna’s teachings on navigating duty with moral clarity and detachment.