Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 1.43

Shloka 1.43

“By these evil deeds of family destroyers, eternal family traditions and dharma are ruined.”

Key Teaching: Arjuna laments the ruin of eternal traditions by war’s destruction.

Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Spirituality.

500-Word Description:
Arjuna declares that the evil deeds of those who destroy families, like the war’s participants, ruin eternal family traditions and dharma. This verse, continuing 1.41–42, emphasizes the spiritual and cultural devastation caused by killing kin, deepening his moral objections. The themes of vishada, as despair fuels his lament, dharma, as he prioritizes family and spiritual duty, and spirituality, as he fears the loss of eternal traditions, are central.

In the Mahabharata, family dharma sustains Vedic traditions like rituals and social roles. Arjuna fears that killing kin like Bhishma and Drona (1.26–27) destroys these, undermining spiritual and social order. His condemnation of “family destroyers” contrasts with Duryodhana’s ambition (1.3–11), highlighting Arjuna’s ethical sensitivity. Krishna’s presence foreshadows guidance (2.2–3).

Philosophically, this verse reflects the human fear that destructive actions erode cultural and spiritual legacies, a theme Krishna addresses with teachings on selfless action (2.47). Arjuna’s focus on eternal traditions complicates his warrior dharma, as spiritual concerns outweigh fighting, intensifying his despair. The theme of spirituality emphasizes the war’s lasting impact.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Arjuna’s lament objectively, emphasizing its cultural weight. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s challenges, where actions affect communal values. Arjuna’s concern for traditions prepares readers for Krishna’s teachings on upholding dharma with detachment and wisdom.