Chapter 1, Verse 35
एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन | अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतो: किं नु महीकृते ॥35॥
etān na hantum icchāmi ghnato ’pi madhusūdana | api trailokya-rājyasya hetoḥ kiṁ nu mahī-kṛte ||
"O Madhusudana, even if I am killed, I do not want to kill these even for the sake of a kingdom extending over the three worlds; what to speak of doing so for the earth!"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.35 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.35 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna expresses a profound crisis of conscience. He addresses Krishna as 'Madhusudana' (Slayer of the demon Madhu), perhaps subtly reminding Krishna that while slaying demons is righteous, killing kinsmen is not. Arjuna posits that even the sovereignty of the 'Trailokya' (the three worlds: Heaven, Earth, and the Netherworld) is not worth the sin and sorrow of killing his family and teachers. He uses the word 'api' (even though/even if) to emphasize his resolve: he would rather be killed by them than kill them for material gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 1.35?
O Madhusudana, even if I am killed, I do not want to kill these even for the sake of a kingdom extending over the three worlds; what to speak of doing so for the earth!