Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31 Meaning

And I see ill omens, O Kesava. I do not see any good in slaying my kinsmen in battle.

BG 1.31

निमित्तानि च पश्यामि विपरीतानि केशव। न च श्रेयोऽनुपश्यामि हत्वा स्वजनमाहवे

nimittāni cha paśhyāmi viparītāni keśhava na cha śhreyo ’nupaśhyāmi hatvā sva-janam āhave

Meaning

And I see ill omens, O Kesava. I do not see any good in slaying my kinsmen in battle.

Available in 28 languages

What Does Bhagavad Gita 1.31 Mean?

And I see ill omens, O Kesava. This verse from Arjuna Vishada Yoga speaks directly to the theme of grief, offering insight that deepens our understanding of the Gita's teaching. What distinguishes this verse is its integration of grief with the broader framework of the Gita's philosophy. Rather than treating spiritual life as separate from worldly engagement, Krishna shows how moral crisis can be realized through every aspect of human experience.

The practical invitation is to hold this verse as a mirror. Where in your life does the principle of grief feel most challenging? That is precisely where the teaching has the most to offer.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

What Is the Context of Bhagavad Gita 1.31?

Arjuna's moral crisis on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where he must fight against his own relatives, teachers, and friends.

Key themes in this chapter include Moral dilemma, Family duty, Compassion.

How Can I Apply Bhagavad Gita 1.31 in Daily Life?

  • •When you need steadiness while dealing with moral dilemma
  • •When practicing family duty amid uncertainty
  • •When applying compassion to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 1.31?
And I see ill omens, O Kesava. This verse from Arjuna Vishada Yoga speaks directly to the theme of grief, offering insight that deepens our understanding of the Gita's teaching. What distinguishes this verse is its integration of grief with the broader framework of the Gita's philosophy. Rather...
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 1.31 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on family duty and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 1.1

Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"

BG 1.28

Arjuna said, "O Krishna, seeing my kinsmen arrayed here, eager to fight,

BG 2.11

The Blessed Lord said, "You have grieved for those who should not be grieved for; yet, you speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead."

Read in Other Languages

EnglishHindiMarathiGujarati
← Back to Chapter 1: Arjuna's Dilemma

Build a daily reading habit with Nitya

Get the Free App