Chapter 1, Verse 31
निमित्तानि च पश्यामि विपरीतानि केशव |
न च श्रेयोऽनुपश्यामि हत्वा स्वजनमाहवे ॥31॥
nimittāni ca paśyāmi viparītāni keśava |
na ca śreyo’nupaśyāmi hatvā svajanam āhave ||
"I see omens of misfortune, O Krishna, and I do not foresee any good resulting from the slaughter of my own kinsmen in this battle."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.31 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.31 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna is experiencing 'Moha' (delusion caused by attachment). He addresses Krishna as 'Keśhava'—the slayer of the demon Keshi—indirectly questioning why Krishna, a protector, is leading him to kill his own people. His vision is clouded by 'viparītāni nimittāni' (adverse omens), which are projections of his internal anxiety. He fails to see 'Shreyas' (ultimate good), confusing his temporary emotional bond with his eternal duty (Dharma).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 1.31?
I see omens of misfortune, O Krishna, and I do not foresee any good resulting from the slaughter of my own kinsmen in this battle.