न काङ्क्षे विजयं कृष्ण न च राज्यं सुखानि च | किं नो राज्येन गोविन्द किं भोगैर्जीवितेन वा || 32 || येषामर्थे काङ्क्षितं नो राज्यं भोगा: सुखानि च | त इमेऽवस्थिता युद्धे प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा धनानि च || 33 || |
|---|
“O Krishna, I do not desire victory, nor kingdom, nor pleasures. What use is a kingdom to me, O Govinda? What use is enjoyment or even life? What purpose will a kingdom of pleasures, or even life itself serve when the very people for whom we desire these things are standing before us, ready to engage in battle?”
Commentary
Arjuna contemplates the purpose behind his desires and ambitions. He questions the validity of seeking victory, material wealth, and worldly pleasures if it means compromising the well-being and lives of those he holds dear. He questions the worth of these external achievements when they come at the cost of sacrificing the lives of his loved ones.
These verses highlight a deeper aspect of Arjuna’s inner despondency. His focus shifts from personal gains to the welfare and preservation of life. He begins to question the conventional notions of success and re-evaluate the true meaning of victory and fulfillment.