Bhagavad Gita 1.39

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Arjuna speaks to Krishna (addressed as Janardana), expressing his deep moral confusion about the upcoming war against his own relatives. He argues that seeing the destruction of families brings great sin and suffering, so logically, he should turn away from such a destructive action rather than fight it. The core teaching here is an introduction to the concept of recognizing evil in actions that cause widespread harm before one can truly understand their duty.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra at the very beginning of the Mahabbarata's war, after Arjuna has surveyed his army and recognized his own teachers, uncles, cousins, and friends standing against him. Overwhelmed by grief and moral anxiety (Vishada), Arjuna drops his bow, Gandiva, unable to fight those he loves. He turns to Krishna for guidance, questioning the very logic of fighting a war that results in the destruction of lineage, setting the stage for Krishna's profound teachings on duty.

Living It Out Today

Consider a corporate manager who is asked to lead a project that will save company profits but result in laying off loyal employees and ruining their families. Like Arjuna seeing 'evil' (doṣa) in destroying families, this person faces the conflict between professional obligation and deep moral distress. Instead of blindly following orders or giving up entirely, they must pause to identify if there is a way to achieve goals without causing such harm, recognizing that true leadership requires discerning when an action causes undue suffering.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are playing a game with your cousins where everyone has to stop being friends and start fighting, which would make both sides very sad and hurt. Arjuna feels exactly like this; he sees that the big battle will destroy families and cause so much pain that it is wrong for him to join in. He asks his friend Krishna why anyone should try to fight when they can see clearly that it leads only to sadness, just as a child would ask why we shouldn't stop playing if it makes everyone cry.

Key Teachings

1. The Clarity of Despair
   Arjuna's crisis reveals that true wisdom often begins with the painful recognition of evil and its consequences. When we clearly see the destructive nature of an action, our conscience naturally awakens to seek a higher path.
2. The Call to Turn Away
   Seeing sin is not enough; one must actively choose to 'turn away' (nivartitum) from it. This verse emphasizes that the very awareness of destruction creates an obligation for us to cease our participation in such evil.
3. The Role of Divine Remembrance
   Arjuna addresses Krishna as Janardana, acknowledging that human resolve alone is fragile without divine support. Turning away from sin requires the grace and guidance of the Supreme to navigate complex moral dilemmas.

Read This Next

1. 2.47 — Krishna responds to Arjuna's despair by teaching him about his right action and detachment from the fruits of that action.
2. 3.30 — This verse provides the practical method for turning away from sin through complete surrender of actions to the Divine.
3. 12.15 — Read this to understand how one who is not distressed by others and does not cause distress becomes dear to Krishna, answering Arjuna's fear of causing harm.