1.35 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 1, Verse 35

In Bhagavad Gita verse 1.35, Arjuna declares to Krishna (addressing him as Madhusudana, the slayer of the demon Madhu) that he would not kill his relatives and teachers assembled on the battlefield, even if they were to kill him. He emphatically states that he would not fight even for the sovereignty of the three worlds, let alone just for earthly kingdom.This verse represents the climax of Arjuna's refusal to fight, showing his extreme emotional distress. He questions what satisfaction or pleasure could possibly come from killing the sons of Dhritarashtra, even if it resulted in gaining dominion over the three worlds. The repetition of "api" (meaning "even though") in the original Sanskrit emphasizes the absoluteness of his position.Arjuna's reasoning stems from a deeply personal calculation of pleasure versus pain. He sees no value in gaining a kingdom if it means destroying his own family. His logic follows that wealth and power are meant to be enjoyed with loved ones, so what purpose would these serve if those very loved ones are killed to obtain them?This verse reveals Arjuna's emotional paralysis in the face of conflicting duties. While he recognizes his role as a warrior, he cannot reconcile it with his attachment to family members on the opposing side. His motivations for fighting have evaporated as he realizes that victory would be hollow without his kinsmen to share in it.The dilemma Arjuna faces transcends mere battlefield tactics—it represents the fundamental human struggle between emotional attachments and duty. His unwillingness to fight, even at the cost of his own life, demonstrates the depth of his emotional crisis and sets the stage for Krishna's subsequent teachings about duty and dharma.Arjuna's declaration in this verse also reflects his shortsighted focus on immediate emotional comfort rather than long-term dharmic considerations. By refusing to fight based solely on personal feelings, he momentarily loses sight of the larger purpose behind the war—the restoration of righteousness in society.This verse serves as a crucial turning point in the Bhagavad Gita narrative. Arjuna's complete surrender to despair and refusal to perform his duty as a warrior necessitates Krishna's divine intervention and wisdom in the chapters to follow. His statement "I do not wish to slay them, even if they attack me" sets up the perfect opening for Krishna to begin his profound spiritual discourse on duty, action, and the nature of reality.