Chapter 3, Verse 36
अर्जुन उवाच | अथ केन प्रयुक्तोऽयं पापं चरति पूरुष: | अनिच्छन्नपि वार्ष्णेय बलादिव नियोजित: ॥36॥
arjuna uvāca | atha kena prayukto'yaṁ pāpaṁ carati pūruṣaḥ | anicchannapi vārṣṇeya balādiva niyojitaḥ || 36 ||
"Arjuna said: Now then, O scion of the Vrsni dynasty (Krsna), impelled by what does this man commit sin even against his wish, being constrained by force, as it were?"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.36 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.36 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna addresses a fundamental human dilemma: the conflict between our moral conscience and our impulsive actions. Despite knowing better, individuals often feel an internal 'push' toward wrongdoing. Arjuna uses the term 'Vārṣṇeya' (descendant of Vrishni) to address Krishna, seeking to understand the mysterious force that overrides human will and intellect, leading one to act 'as if by force' (balādiva) against their own better judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.36?
Arjuna said: Now then, O scion of the Vrsni dynasty (Krsna), impelled by what does this man commit sin even against his wish, being constrained by force, as it were?