Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 42
Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

A Chain of Consequences · Harm Rarely Stays Contained

सङ्करो नरकायैव कुलघ्नानां कुलस्य च । पतन्ति पितरो ह्येषां लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रियाः ।।42।।

saṅkaro narakāyaiva kula-ghnānāṃ kulasya ca patanti pitaro hy eṣāṃ lupta-piṇḍodaka-kriyāḥ

Meaning

"Such intermixing leads the family and its destroyers to hell; deprived of offerings, their ancestors also fall."

Explanation

Arjuna continues describing the chain reaction of harm he fears would follow from destroying his family.

Today's Life Lesson

Remember that one broken bond can ripple outward and touch people far beyond the immediate moment.

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