Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 36

English Translation

Arjuna said Now then, O scion of the Vrsni dynasty (Krsna), impelled by what does this man commit sin even against his wish, being constrained by force, as it were?

Detailed Commentary

3.36. Explanation – Arjuna asked the Lord what causes a person to be drawn towards sin, knowingly or unknowingly. Due to His incarnation in the Vrishni clan, Lord Krishna is also called 'Varshneya'. In the previous verse, the Lord praised the observance of Dharma. A discerning individual does not wish to commit sin, as the outcome of sin is suffering, and no one desires suffering. Here, 'unwillingness' refers to the enjoyment (Bhoga) – not the renunciation of the desire for accumulation, but rather the renunciation of the desire to commit sin. This is because the desire for enjoyment and accumulation is the root of all sins. If these desires were absent, there would be no cause for sin. A thoughtful person does not want to sin, but due to the inner desires for enjoyment and accumulation, they fail to perform their prescribed duties (Kartavya Karma) and end up sinning. Arjuna states that the intensity of this unwillingness is so strong that it feels as if someone is compelling one to sin. The main cause of engaging in sin is 'Kama', meaning the desire for sensual pleasures (Bhoga-vilas) and accumulation. However, overlooking this root cause, an individual believes that someone is forcibly drawing them towards sin. As Duryodhana once said, "I know Dharma, yet I have no inclination towards it; I know Adharma, yet I cannot desist from it. I act as dictated by some deity residing in my heart." Duryodhana's 'deity' is, in fact, nothing but Kama, which prevents a person from abandoning Adharma even after careful consideration. Arjuna's question is: Who is it that forcibly makes one commit sin? The Lord has already stated that Raga (attachment) and Dvesha (aversion) are our inner enemies, and these are the causes of sin. Arjuna's question is, "What is this cause by which a person, even against their will, becomes immersed in sin? Is it due to Ashraddha (lack of faith), Asuya (envy), wickedness, delusion (Mudhta), helplessness of one's nature (Svabhava ki Paravashata), Raga-Dvesha, or other reasons?" Furthermore, could Ishvara (God), Prarabdha (destiny from past actions), circumstances, Karma, bad company, society, or government laws also be contributing factors? Connection – Now, in the upcoming verse, the Lord will answer Arjuna's question.