Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 44
Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Received Wisdom · When Old Fears Reinforce New Ones

उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणां मनुष्याणां जनार्दन । नरकेऽनियतं वासो भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम ।।44।।

utsanna-kula-dharmāṇāṃ manuṣyāṇāṃ janārdana narake 'niyataṃ vāso bhavatīty anuśuśruma

Meaning

"O Janardana, we have heard that people whose family traditions are destroyed dwell in hell for an indefinite time."

Explanation

Arjuna cites received wisdom to reinforce his own fears, showing how tradition and anxiety can intertwine.

Today's Life Lesson

Notice when old teachings you've heard are amplifying your fear rather than genuinely guiding you.

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