Arjuna argues that fighting will incur sinful reactions because of the unique position of the aggressors as seniors and relatives
aSix kinds of aggressors to be killed (based on grounds of politics and sociology – Artha-sastra) Killing them does not incur any sin.
1A Poison-giver; 2. One who sets fire to the house; 3. One who attacks with deadly weapons
4One who plunders riches; 5.One who occupies another’s land; 6. One who kidnaps a wife
bWhy Arjuna favors forgiveness (based on the grounds of religion and saintly behavior – Dharma- sastra)
Because of the unique position of these aggressors as seniors and relatives
Forgiveness on account of saintliness
Arjuna considers why to risk life and eternal salvation for temporary pleasures and kingdom FOCUS OF LEARNING: PURPORTS 1.36 – 1.38 continued…
cCorrect understanding about forgiveness / saintliness
Saintliness is not justified for a ksatriya
Compared to “Rama-rajya” – Lord Rama gave sufficient lessons to Ravana who was an aggressor because he kidnapped Rama’s wife, Mother Sita
d‘Madhava’ — Arjuna addresses Krishna as ‘Madhava’ to indicate:
Krishna is the husband of the Goddess of ‘fortune’
Krishna should not cause an action which brings ‘misfortune’
eSaintliness of Arjuna — Arjuna’s thorough consideration of evil consequences reveals saintliness (1.37 – 1.38)
Obligation (To not refuse when challenged to battle or gamble) is binding when the effect is good, not otherwise
Therefore Arjuna considered that he is not obliged to fight ARJUNA’S FOURTH ARGUMENT — DESTRUCTION OF FAMILY TRADITIONS (1.39 — 1.43)
Refutation:
Lord Krishna refutes this argument in Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24