1.31 — When steadiness gives way

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Dharma In You · Updated 8 October 2026

Speaker: Arjuna, addressing Krishna

Teaching film · Sanskrit · Everyday reflection

Our original brief meaning and reflection accompany the Sanskrit below.

Verses 1.29–1.31 share one connected lesson. Each shloka retains its own number.

Context, Sanskrit and lesson transcript

Arjuna continues speaking to Krishna. His distress affects his body, his grip on his bow, and his judgment about the battle.

वेपथुश्च शरीरे मे रोमहर्षश्च जायते॥२९॥

गाण्डीवं स्रंसते हस्तात्त्वक्चैव परिदह्यते।
न च शक्नोम्यवस्थातुं भ्रमतीव च मे मनः॥३०॥

निमित्तानि च पश्यामि विपरीतानि केशव।
न च श्रेयोऽनुपश्यामि हत्वा स्वजनमाहवे॥३१॥

Brief meaning, in our own words. Arjuna trembles, his hair stands on end, and his bow Gandiva slips from his hand. His skin burns; he cannot remain steady and his mind seems to whirl. He sees adverse omens and no good in killing his kinsmen in battle.

Gandiva is Arjuna’s bow, and Keshava is a name for Krishna. The omens and conclusions are part of Arjuna’s account. We are listening to his dilemma, not receiving Krishna’s answer yet.

Here is our everyday reflection. Before making a difficult decision, distinguish what you feel, what you observe, and what you predict. Giving each its own words can help you explain why you are struggling.