Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 32
Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Questioning the Prize · What Is Victory Worth?

न काङ्क्षे विजयं कृष्ण न च राज्यं सुखानि च । किं नो राज्येन गोविन्द किं भोगैर्जीवितेन वा ।।32।।

na kāṅkṣe vijayaṃ kṛṣṇa na ca rājyaṃ sukhāni ca kiṃ no rājyena govinda kiṃ bhogair jīvitena vā

Meaning

"O Krishna, I desire neither victory, nor kingdom, nor pleasures. Of what use is a kingdom, or even life and its enjoyments, to us, O Govinda?"

Explanation

Arjuna begins voicing the depth of his despair, questioning the very purpose of the war he's about to fight.

Today's Life Lesson

Before chasing a goal, pause and ask honestly whether it's truly worth what it will cost.

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