1.35 — The people victory could cost

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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 1.34–1.35 share one connected lesson. Each shloka retains its own number.

Context, Sanskrit and lesson transcript

Arjuna names the relationships that make this battle unbearable to him, and tells Krishna how strongly he opposes killing them.

आचार्याः पितरः पुत्रास्तथैव च पितामहाः।
मातुलाः श्वशुराः पौत्राः श्यालाः सम्बन्धिनस्तथा॥३४॥

एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन।
अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतोः किं नु महीकृते॥३५॥

Brief meaning, in our own words. He names teachers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, maternal uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law and other relatives. He does not wish to kill them, even if they kill him, not even for rule over the three worlds, much less for an earthly kingdom.

Madhusudana is a name for Krishna. Arjuna is stating his position within the unfolding dialogue. We retain the relationships named in the passage without inventing portraits or identities for every person.

Here is our everyday reflection. When a disagreement becomes a contest to win, consider the relationships at stake. Say clearly what you value and what you are unwilling to sacrifice.