Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 35
Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Counting the Cost · What a Win Really Costs

एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन । अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतोः किं नु महीकृते ॥

etān na hantum icchāmi ghnato 'pi madhusūdana api trailokya-rājyasya hetoḥ kiṁ nu mahī-kṛte

Meaning

"O Madhusudana, I do not wish to kill them, even if they attack me, not even for the kingdom of all three worlds — what then for this earth?"

Explanation

Arjuna is weighing what a "win" would actually cost him. Sometimes the wisest question before a fight isn't "can I win" but "what will be left of my relationships once I do."

Today's Life Lesson

Before you go all-in on winning an argument today, ask what it might cost the relationship — some victories aren't worth the price.

More verses to reflect on