Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 38

English Translation

1.39 O Janardana, although these people, whose hearts have become perverted by greed, do not see the evil arising from destroying the family and sin in hostility towards, friends, yet how can we who clearly see the evil arising from destroying the family remain unaware of (the need of) abstaining from this sin?

Detailed Commentary

।।1.38।। Explanation— 'Yadyapyete na paśyanti... mitradrohe ca pātakam'— The desire for wealth, land, houses, honor, etc., is called *lobha* (greed). Due to this *lobha*, the understanding of Duryodhana and others has been lost. They are unable to consider how long the kingdom, for which they are committing this *papa* (sin), will remain with them. What will happen if we perish while the kingdom still exists? In this world, the sorrow of separation is greater than any happiness. Immersed in *moha* (delusion), they see nothing beyond the kingdom. The *papa* arising from the destruction of the *kula* (family/lineage) is not coming to their attention. Wherever there is war, time, wealth, and power are destroyed. Differences arise among friends, as happened between Drupada and Drona. Drona sought revenge, and Drupada performed a *yajna* (sacrifice). In this way, even small *papas* are being disregarded. Special Point We are living even without the things we do not possess. The absence of these things, once we acquire them, causes sorrow. Even if one obtains them due to *lobha*, their inherent absence persists. Worldly happiness always arises from some *dosha* (flaw). In the grip of *lobha*, a person loses their discriminatory intellect (*vivekashakti*). 'Kathaṃ na jñeyamasmābhiḥ... prapaśyadbhirjanārdana'— Arjuna says that we should recognize the *doshas* of *kula kshaya* (destruction of family) and *mitradroha* (betrayal of friends) because we are aware of them. If some sorrow afflicts us, it will be auspicious for us, for *papas* will be destroyed. But if there is enmity in the mind, it will continue to push us into *papa*. Therefore, one should contemplate avoiding this war and its *papas*. Arjuna sees Duryodhana's *lobha*, but he himself is trapped in *moha*. When one sees others' flaws, one's own flaws are not apparent. At this moment, Arjuna is unaware of his own state. Connection: What are the *doshas* that arise from the destruction of the *kula*? This is described in the following verses.