Bhagavad Gita 1.39 — Why Should We Not Turn Away from This Sin?
कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभिः पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम् ।
कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन ॥ १.३९ ॥
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Why should we, who clearly see the evil caused by the destruction of the family, not understand that we should turn away from this sin, O Janardana?
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| katham | why, how |
| na | not |
| jñeyam | should be understood |
| asmābhiḥ | by us |
| pāpāt | from sin |
| asmāt | this |
| nivartitum | to turn away |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kulakṣhayakṛtam | caused by the destruction of the family |
| doṣham | evil, fault |
| prapaśhyadbhiḥ | by those who clearly see |
| janārdana | O Janardana (Krishna) |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| katham | why, how | kulakṣhayakṛtam | caused by the destruction of the family |
| na | not | doṣham | evil, fault |
| jñeyam | should be understood | prapaśhyadbhiḥ | by those who clearly see |
| asmābhiḥ | by us | janārdana | O Janardana (Krishna) |
| pāpāt | from sin | ||
| asmāt | this | ||
| nivartitum | to turn away | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna turns from criticising the Kauravas to questioning his own side. If the Pāṇḍavas can clearly see the fault in destroying a family, he asks, why should they not learn to turn away from this sin? His reasoning rests on the idea that knowledge brings responsibility.
Essence
This verse is a moral argument: knowing creates an obligation.
A. Kathaṁ na jñeyam asmābhiḥ (why should it not be understood by us?)
The word jñeyam means 'to be known or understood'. Arjuna is saying that the Kauravas might be excused for their blindness, but the Pāṇḍavas have no such excuse because they see clearly. Greater awareness brings greater responsibility. It is a principle that many ethical traditions share.
B. Pāpād asmān nivartitum (to turn away from this sin)
The word nivartitum means to turn back or withdraw. Arjuna is not just refusing to fight; he sees it as turning away from pāpa, sin. His motive is moral, not merely emotional, which is why the Gita treats his questions seriously.
C. Kula-kṣaya-kṛtaṁ doṣaṁ prapaśyadbhir janārdana
The word prapaśyadbhiḥ means 'those who clearly see'. Arjuna considers that his insight into the harm of family destruction puts him under an obligation to act on it. He again calls Krishna Janārdana, asking for his agreement.
D. The limit of this reasoning
Arjuna's logic is coherent as far as it goes. But there is a missing question: does clear sight of one fault mean that one has seen the whole situation? The Gita will broaden his view by asking him to consider his duty, the nature of the self and the larger purpose of dharma, not only the harm that might follow from a single action.
Message for Everyday Life (Knowledge and Responsibility)
When we become aware of a problem, whether in our own behaviour or in the world around us, awareness itself asks something of us. It is a good question to ask: now that I see this, what is mine to do? At the same time, it is wise to check whether we are seeing the full picture before we act.
This verse is a moral argument: knowing creates an obligation.
A. Kathaṁ na jñeyam asmābhiḥ (why should it not be understood by us?)
The word jñeyam means 'to be known or understood'. Arjuna is saying that the Kauravas might be excused for their blindness, but the Pāṇḍavas have no such excuse because they see clearly. Greater awareness brings greater responsibility. It is a principle that many ethical traditions share.
B. Pāpād asmān nivartitum (to turn away from this sin)
The word nivartitum means to turn back or withdraw. Arjuna is not just refusing to fight; he sees it as turning away from pāpa, sin. His motive is moral, not merely emotional, which is why the Gita treats his questions seriously.
C. Kula-kṣaya-kṛtaṁ doṣaṁ prapaśyadbhir janārdana
The word prapaśyadbhiḥ means 'those who clearly see'. Arjuna considers that his insight into the harm of family destruction puts him under an obligation to act on it. He again calls Krishna Janārdana, asking for his agreement.
D. The limit of this reasoning
Arjuna's logic is coherent as far as it goes. But there is a missing question: does clear sight of one fault mean that one has seen the whole situation? The Gita will broaden his view by asking him to consider his duty, the nature of the self and the larger purpose of dharma, not only the harm that might follow from a single action.
Message for Everyday Life (Knowledge and Responsibility)
When we become aware of a problem, whether in our own behaviour or in the world around us, awareness itself asks something of us. It is a good question to ask: now that I see this, what is mine to do? At the same time, it is wise to check whether we are seeing the full picture before we act.
Next Topic
Arjuna has asked why those who see the fault should not turn away. In the next verses, he explains in detail what he believes the fault to be, beginning with the loss of ancient family traditions and the rise of adharma.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
What we know obliges us.
Turning back can take more courage than going forward.
Listen when conscience asks 'why not?'
Awareness gives us a choice.
Clarity brings accountability.
Prevent the harm you can foresee.
Wisdom shows itself in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arjuna asking in this verse?
What does 'nivartitum' (to turn away) imply?
Is Arjuna contrasting himself with the Kauravas?
Is Arjuna's argument fully correct?
What does this verse teach us today?
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