Chapter 1, Verse 33 (Bhagavad Gita 1.33)
Chapter 1: Arjun Viṣhād Yog – Arjuna's Dilemma
Sanskrit Shloka
येषामर्थे काङ्क्षितं नो राज्यं भोगाः सुखानि च। त इमेऽवस्थिता युद्धे प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा धनानि च
Transliteration
yeṣhām arthe kāṅkṣhitaṁ no rājyaṁ bhogāḥ sukhāni cha ta ime ’vasthitā yuddhe prāṇāṁs tyaktvā dhanāni cha
Word Meanings
yeṣhām—for whose; arthe—sake; kāṅkṣhitam—coveted for; naḥ—by us; rājyam—kingdom; bhogāḥ—pleasures; sukhāni—happiness; cha—also; te—they; ime—these; avasthitāḥ—situated; yuddhe—for battle; prāṇān—lives; tyaktvā—giving up; dhanāni—wealth; cha—also
Translation
Those for whose sake we desire kingdom, enjoyments, and pleasures stand here in battle, having renounced life and wealth.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse highlights the inherent futility of material desire, as the objects of our affection are the very ones we must destroy to attain our goals. It reveals the psychological dissonance of seeking happiness through means that demand the total annihilation of one's own sense of purpose and connection.