Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 35 Meaning
These I do not wish to kill, O Krishna, even though they kill me, for the sake of dominion over the three worlds; leave alone killing them for the sake of the earth."
BG 1.35
एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन। अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतोः किं नु महीकृते
etān na hantum ichchhāmi ghnato ’pi madhusūdana api trailokya-rājyasya hetoḥ kiṁ nu mahī-kṛite
Meaning
These I do not wish to kill, O Krishna, even though they kill me, for the sake of dominion over the three worlds; leave alone killing them for the sake of the earth."
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What Does Bhagavad Gita 1.35 Mean?
These I do not wish to kill, O Krishna, even though they kill me, for the sake of dominion over the three worlds; leave alone killing them for the sake of the earth." This verse from Arjuna Vishada Yoga speaks directly to the theme of moral crisis, offering insight that deepens our understanding of the Gita's teaching. The verse operates on multiple levels. On the surface, it addresses Arjuna's immediate situation.
At a deeper level, it articulates a universal principle about grief that applies to every person navigating the complexities of moral and spiritual life. Applied to contemporary life, this teaching asks us to examine our relationship with grief. Not through self-judgment, but through honest observation that gradually shifts our center of gravity from reactive habit to conscious choice.
— Explained by the Nitya Team
What Is the Context of Bhagavad Gita 1.35?
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 1.35 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
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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."
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