Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 33
Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

A Tragic Irony · Fighting for the Ones You'd Lose

येषामर्थे काङ्क्षितं नो राज्यं भोगाः सुखानि च । त इमेऽवस्थिता युद्धे प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा धनानि च ।।33।।

yeṣām arthe kāṅkṣitaṃ no rājyaṃ bhogāḥ sukhāni ca ta ime 'vasthitā yuddhe prāṇāṃs tyaktvā dhanāni ca

Meaning

"Those for whose sake we desire kingdom, enjoyment, and happiness are here in this battle, ready to give up their lives and wealth."

Explanation

Arjuna points out the tragic irony: the very people the war is meant to benefit are the ones who will die in it.

Today's Life Lesson

Question a goal honestly if achieving it means hurting the very people you meant to help.

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