यद्यप्येते न पश्यन्ति लोभोपहतचेतस: | कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं मित्रद्रोहे च पातकम् || 38 || कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभि: पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम् | कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन || 39 || |
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“Even though these people, with their hearts overwhelmed by greed, do not see any fault in destroying the family, or the sin of betraying friends, why should we, O Janardhana, who clearly see the wrong in the destruction of a family, engage in these acts of sin?”
“O Janardhana, how can we, who can clearly see the wrong in the destruction of a family, not understand the sin that results from killing our own relatives?
Commentary
Arjuna is questioning the moral justifications and rationalizations of those who are driven by greed and are blind to the consequences of their actions. The verses highlight the ethical dilemma faced by individuals who possess a clear understanding of right and wrong but witness others engaging in destructive behaviors without recognizing the negative impact.
Arjuna acknowledges that there are people who, due to their own desires and attachments, fail to see the evil in their actions such as the destruction of families or the betrayal of friends. These individuals are blinded by their own self-interests and are unable to discern the harmful consequences of their behavior. Arjuna addressing Janardhana questions why they themselves, who possess clarity of understanding and can clearly see the destructive nature of such actions, would engage in similar acts of sin.