I am unable to stand any longer, and my mind seems to be reeling. I foresee only evil, O Krishna.
Arjuna’s emotional breakdown deepens as he confesses that he cannot stand firm due to his mental and physical state. His mind is clouded, and he perceives only negative outcomes, reflecting his inner turmoil and the overwhelming moral dilemma he faces about the consequences of war.
I do not see how any good can come from killing my own relatives in this battle. I do not desire victory, kingdom, or pleasures.
Arjuna openly questions the purpose of the war. He expresses that no victory, kingdom, or pleasure can justify the killing of his kin. This statement reveals his deep sense of disillusionment, as he begins to reject the material gains that the war is supposed to bring, considering them hollow without family.
O Govinda, what is the use of a kingdom, or pleasures, or even life itself, when those for whom we desire these things stand here ready to fight?
Arjuna asks Krishna what good can come from material success when the very people for whom these gains are sought are on the battlefield, prepared to fight. He is grappling with the emotional weight of potentially losing loved ones and questions the value of life and luxury in such a context.
Teachers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and many other relatives are standing ready to give up their lives and wealth in this battle.
Arjuna continues to list the various family members who are about to engage in battle. He emphasizes the personal relationships he has with those on the opposing side, stressing the gravity of the situation. The emotional conflict intensifies as he contemplates the tragic loss of life that could result from the war.
I do not wish to kill them, even if they attack me, O Madhusudana, even for the sovereignty of the three worlds, let alone this earth.
Arjuna expresses his unwillingness to kill his relatives, even if they attack him first. He values the bonds of kinship over material gain, rejecting the idea of ruling over not only the earth but even the three worlds. This underscores his deep inner conflict between duty and compassion.
What pleasure would there be for us, O Janardana, after killing the sons of Dhritarashtra? Sin alone would befall us by killing such aggressors.
Arjuna believes that killing his enemies, even though they are the sons of Dhritarashtra, would only bring sin upon him. He questions the righteousness of such an act, seeing no real joy or fulfillment in victory gained through the deaths of his relatives. His dilemma reflects the larger ethical question of war and duty.
It is not right for us to kill the sons of Dhritarashtra and our own relatives. How can we be happy after killing our own family, O Madhava?
Arjuna questions the righteousness of killing his own family members in battle, even though they are fighting on the opposing side. He sees no way to achieve happiness after such a destructive act, emphasizing the importance of family bonds over the material or political gains that the war promises.