Bhagavad Gita 1.31 — Arjuna Sees Ill Omens and No Good in Killing Kinsmen

Here Arjuna's emotion begins to take the form of an argument.

A. Nimittāni ca paśyāmi viparītāni keśava (and I see adverse omens, O Keśava)

The word nimitta means a sign or omen, and viparīta means contrary or adverse. Arjuna reads the signs around him as unfavourable. When the mind is troubled, it tends to see the world through its own distress. He addresses Krishna as Keśava, a name traditionally understood as the slayer of the demon Keśī, a fitting name for one who removes obstacles.

B. Na ca śreyo 'nupaśyāmi hatvā svajanam āhave (nor do I see any good in killing my kinsmen in battle)

The key word is śreyas, the highest good or lasting welfare, as distinct from preyas, the merely pleasant. Arjuna says he sees no śreyas in this war. This is a valid moral concern. Yet we should notice that his statement is made from a disturbed state of mind. The Gita will gently examine whether his conclusion is based on wisdom or on attachment.

C. From feeling to philosophy

It is characteristic of the human mind that feelings dress themselves up as arguments. First we feel, and then we find reasons that support the feeling. Arjuna's reasoning in the following verses is thoughtful and sincere, but it needs to be tested. Krishna's teaching will do exactly this: it will distinguish between what is truly compassionate and what is merely a wish to avoid pain.

Message for Everyday Life (When Feelings Argue Their Case)

When we are strongly affected by emotion, our mind quickly provides explanations that justify it. A useful practice is to ask: Is this a conclusion I would also reach in a calm state? Would a wise and impartial friend agree? Such questions help us tell the difference between genuine insight and the voice of fear or attachment.