Shloka 1.37
“Though they, overcome by greed, see no evil in destroying family, why should we?”
Key Teaching: Arjuna acknowledges the Kauravas’ greed but questions his own participation.
Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Ethics.
500-Word Description:
Arjuna acknowledges that the Kauravas, driven by greed, see no evil in destroying family, but questions why he should participate in such an act. This verse continues his ethical objections (1.28–36), emphasizing his moral superiority over Duryodhana’s ambition and his reluctance to violate dharma. The themes of vishada, as despair fuels his doubts, dharma, as he questions righteous action, and ethics, as he focuses on moral responsibility, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s greed for the kingdom sparked the war, but Arjuna, aware of this, refuses to mirror their moral lapse (1.3–11). His question reflects his compassion for kin like Bhishma and Drona (1.26–27), prioritizing family dharma over victory. Krishna’s presence foreshadows guidance to resolve this conflict (2.31).
Philosophically, this verse reflects the human struggle to maintain moral integrity in conflict, a theme Krishna addresses with teachings on equanimity (2.14). Arjuna’s distinction between his values and the Kauravas’ greed underscores his ethical stance, complicating his warrior dharma. The theme of ethics intensifies, as he grapples with moral consequences.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Arjuna’s question objectively, emphasizing its moral weight. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s ethical dilemmas, where distinguishing right from wrong challenges action. Arjuna’s stance prepares readers for Krishna’s teachings on acting righteously without attachment to outcomes.