Bhagavad Gita 1.35 — Arjuna Will Not Kill Them Even for the Three Worlds
एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन ।
अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतोः किं नु महीकृते ॥ १.३५ ॥
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I do not wish to kill these, even though they may kill me, O Madhusudana; not even for the sovereignty of the three worlds, what then for the sake of the earth?
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etān | these |
| na | not |
| hantum | to kill |
| ichchhāmi | I wish |
| ghnataḥ | those who are killing (me) |
| api | even |
| madhusūdana | O Madhusudana (Krishna) |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| api | even |
| trailokyarājyasya | for the sovereignty of the three worlds |
| hetoḥ | for the sake of |
| kim nu | what to speak of |
| mahīkṛte | for the sake of the earth |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etān | these | api | even |
| na | not | trailokyarājyasya | for the sovereignty of the three worlds |
| hantum | to kill | hetoḥ | for the sake of |
| ichchhāmi | I wish | kim nu | what to speak of |
| ghnataḥ | those who are killing (me) | mahīkṛte | for the sake of the earth |
| api | even | ||
| madhusūdana | O Madhusudana (Krishna) | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna makes one of his strongest statements in the chapter. Even if these relatives were to kill him, he says, he does not wish to kill them, not even for sovereignty over the three worlds, let alone for the earth. It is a declaration of utter unwillingness to harm his own people.
Essence
This verse shows the depth of Arjuna's attachment and his sincerity.
A. Etān na hantum icchāmi ghnato 'pi madhusūdana (I do not wish to kill them, even if they kill me, O Madhusūdana)
The word ghnataḥ api, 'even if they kill', shows that Arjuna is willing to accept his own death rather than cause theirs. He addresses Krishna as Madhusūdana, the slayer of the demon Madhu. It is a poignant choice: he speaks to the destroyer of a demon to say that he cannot destroy his own relatives.
B. Api trailokya-rājyasya hetoḥ (even for the sovereignty of the three worlds)
The trailokya are the three worlds: earth, the atmosphere and heaven. Arjuna says he would not harm his kin even to rule all three. This is an extreme statement, and it shows how he feels at this moment: no reward could justify the act.
C. Kiṁ nu mahīkṛte (what then for the earth alone?)
If not for three worlds, then certainly not for just the earth. The reasoning is simple and forceful. The statement reveals sincerity and also the extent to which his mind has been overpowered by attachment.
D. Non-violence and its context
It is worth noting that Arjuna's feeling is, in a sense, a noble one: a reluctance to cause harm. The Gita does not dismiss this. Rather, it will examine whether refusing to act in this particular situation is really non-violence, or whether it is a failure to perform a duty that dharma has placed upon him. This question will be at the heart of Krishna's teaching.
Message for Everyday Life (Good Intentions and Right Action)
Good feelings, such as compassion and a wish to avoid harm, are valuable. But they need to be combined with an understanding of what a situation truly requires. Sometimes the most caring action is a difficult one. The practice is to ask honestly: Is my reluctance an expression of wisdom, or of fear and attachment?
This verse shows the depth of Arjuna's attachment and his sincerity.
A. Etān na hantum icchāmi ghnato 'pi madhusūdana (I do not wish to kill them, even if they kill me, O Madhusūdana)
The word ghnataḥ api, 'even if they kill', shows that Arjuna is willing to accept his own death rather than cause theirs. He addresses Krishna as Madhusūdana, the slayer of the demon Madhu. It is a poignant choice: he speaks to the destroyer of a demon to say that he cannot destroy his own relatives.
B. Api trailokya-rājyasya hetoḥ (even for the sovereignty of the three worlds)
The trailokya are the three worlds: earth, the atmosphere and heaven. Arjuna says he would not harm his kin even to rule all three. This is an extreme statement, and it shows how he feels at this moment: no reward could justify the act.
C. Kiṁ nu mahīkṛte (what then for the earth alone?)
If not for three worlds, then certainly not for just the earth. The reasoning is simple and forceful. The statement reveals sincerity and also the extent to which his mind has been overpowered by attachment.
D. Non-violence and its context
It is worth noting that Arjuna's feeling is, in a sense, a noble one: a reluctance to cause harm. The Gita does not dismiss this. Rather, it will examine whether refusing to act in this particular situation is really non-violence, or whether it is a failure to perform a duty that dharma has placed upon him. This question will be at the heart of Krishna's teaching.
Message for Everyday Life (Good Intentions and Right Action)
Good feelings, such as compassion and a wish to avoid harm, are valuable. But they need to be combined with an understanding of what a situation truly requires. Sometimes the most caring action is a difficult one. The practice is to ask honestly: Is my reluctance an expression of wisdom, or of fear and attachment?
Next Topic
Arjuna has said he would not kill his kin even for the three worlds. In the next verse, he asks what joy could come from killing Dhṛtarāṣṭra's sons, and he introduces a new word: he says that sin would cling to them for slaying even these aggressors.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Some things are not for sale.
Mercy can be more courageous than might.
Know your own red lines.
Power gained by loss of conscience is hollow.
Love sets the limits of ambition.
Respect life above gain.
Conviction can rise from sorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'trailokyarājyasya' (sovereignty of the three worlds) mean?
Why does Arjuna say 'ghnataḥ api' (even if they kill me)?
Why is Krishna called 'madhusūdana' (Madhusudana) here?
Does this verse teach non-violence in general?
How can we apply this verse today?
Explore related topics
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