Bhagvad Gita (BG) is more known as a book of Krishna winning over Arjuna, by talking to him goals of human life, real self of a human being, karamyoga, sankhyoga and bhaktiyoga, convincing him to participate in Kurukshetra war and kill wicked Kauravas as Arjuna is hesitant to go to war with his seniors and kinsmen. Was Arjuna  totally wrong? Indeed,  a careful look shows that Arjuna was on spot on perils of war.

Arjuna said:

कुलक्षये प्रणश्यन्ति कुलधर्मा: सनातना: |
धर्मे नष्टे कुलं कृत्स्नमधर्मोऽभिभवत्युत || BG 1/40

अधर्माभिभवात्कृष्ण प्रदुष्यन्ति कुलस्त्रिय: |
स्त्रीषु दुष्टासु वार्ष्णेय जायते वर्णसङ्कर: || BG 1/41

सङ्करो नरकायैव कुलघ्नानां कुलस्य च |
पतन्ति पितरो ह्येषां लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रिया: || BG 1/42

दोषैरेतै: कुलघ्नानां वर्णसङ्करकारकै: |
उत्साद्यन्ते जातिधर्मा: कुलधर्माश्च शाश्वता: || BG 1/43

उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणां मनुष्याणां जनार्दन |
नरकेऽनियतं वासो भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम || BG 1/44

अहो बत महत्पापं कर्तुं व्यवसिता वयम् |
यद्राज्यसुखलोभेन हन्तुं स्वजनमुद्यता: || BG 1/45

Meaning, when a dynasty is destroyed, its traditions get vanquished, and the rest of the family becomes involved in irreligion. With the preponderance of vice, O Krishna, the women of the family become immoral; and from the immorality of women, O descendent of Vrishni, unwanted progeny are born. An increase in unwanted children results in hellish life both for the family and for those who destroy the family. Deprived of sacrificial offerings, the ancestors of such corrupt families also fall. Through the evil deeds of those who destroy the family tradition and thus give rise to unwanted progeny, a variety of social and family welfare activities are ruined. O Janardan (Krishna), I have heard from the learned that those who destroy family traditions dwell in hell for an indefinite period of time. Alas! How strange it is that we have set our mind to perform this great sin with horrifying consequences. Driven by the desire for kingly pleasures, we are intent on killing our own kinsmen.

How Relevant is Arjuna in Today’s World?

Our world is always embroiled in one War or another. We are currently having Russia- Ukraine War and Hamas- Israel War.

I wish warring parties read Arjuna’s views on perils of war and desist from war. In Arjuna’s views the biggest sufferer of a war are family traditions and values, women and children. Is it worth the ego and victory of one side? The answer is No. The suffering is clearly immense and on both sides.

Sanskrit & English translation Courtesy: https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org

Photo Courtesy: Kreately.in

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