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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38 Meaning in Hindi and English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 29 May, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38 continues Arjuna’s moral reasoning on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. In this verse, Arjuna says that since the Pandavas clearly understand the sin and consequences of destroying family traditions, they should avoid committing such wrongdoing.

This verse highlights wisdom, responsibility, morality, family values, and the importance of making righteous decisions even during difficult situations. Let us understand Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38 in Sanskrit, Hinglish, Hindi, and English with deep meaning and life lessons.

Bhagavad Gita 1.38 : Meaning and Importance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38 is important because Arjuna believes:

Wise people should avoid sinful actions
Understanding consequences creates responsibility
Family destruction leads to moral decline

The verse reflects:

Ethical awareness
Compassion
Moral responsibility
Respect for family traditions

This moment becomes deeply meaningful because:

Arjuna feels that knowledge should guide humans toward righteousness, not destruction.

He questions:

Why should wise people commit actions they know are wrong?
Why destroy family harmony for temporary power?

Sanskrit Shlok

कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभिः पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम् । कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन ॥ ३८ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Katham na jneyam asmabhih papad asman nivartitum Kulakshaya kritam dosham prapashyadbhir Janardana

English Transliteration

kathaṁ na jñeyam asmābhiḥ pāpād asmān nivartitum

kula-kṣhaya-kṛitaṁ doṣhaṁ prapaśhyadbhir janārdana

Hindi Meaning

हे जनार्दन! जब हम कुल के नाश से होने वाले दोष को स्पष्ट रूप से देख रहे हैं, तब हमें इस पाप से क्यों नहीं हट जाना चाहिए?

English Meaning

“O Janardana, why should we not turn away from this sin when we clearly see the evil caused by the destruction of family traditions?”

Word-by-Word Meaning

Sanskrit Word	Meaning
कथम् (Katham)	Why
न (Na)	Not
ज्ञेयम् (Jneyam)	Should be understood
अस्माभिः (Asmabhih)	By us
पापात् (Papat)	From sin
अस्मान् (Asman)	Ourselves
निवर्तितुम् (Nivartitum)	To withdraw
कुलक्षय (Kulakshaya)	Destruction of family
कृतम् (Kritam)	Caused
दोषम् (Dosham)	Fault / Evil
प्रपश्यद्भिः (Prapashyadbhih)	Seeing clearly
जनार्दन (Janardana)	O Krishna

Context of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38

Arjuna continues expressing his fear about the destruction caused by war.

He believes:

The Kauravas may be blinded by greed
But the Pandavas understand morality and consequences

At this moment:

Arjuna feels that knowingly committing wrongdoing is even more dangerous.

He worries about:

The destruction of family values
Moral decline in society
The long-term consequences of war

This verse shows Arjuna trying to justify why the Pandavas should avoid battle.

Deep Meaning of Bhagavad Gita 1.38

This verse teaches:

Wisdom brings responsibility.

Arjuna understands:

People who know right from wrong must act carefully
Awareness of consequences should guide decisions
Morality should be stronger than ambition

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38 reminds us:

Ethical awareness matters
Wrong actions create lasting harm
Knowledge should lead to righteous behavior

This verse also teaches:

Knowing the truth but ignoring it creates deeper inner conflict.

Leadership Lesson from Bhagavad Gita 1.38

Responsible Leaders Think About Consequences

Arjuna believes wise people should avoid harmful actions.

This teaches:

Leadership requires moral responsibility
Decisions should protect people and values
Wisdom should guide action

In modern life:

Leaders should avoid unethical shortcuts
Families should protect traditions and harmony
Businesses should think long-term

True leadership includes:

Integrity
Ethical awareness
Responsibility

Spiritual Insight from Bhagavad Gita 1.38

Spiritually, this verse teaches:

Dharma requires conscious and responsible action.

Arjuna’s thoughts reflect:

Awareness of karma
Fear of moral wrongdoing
Concern for family and society

The Bhagavad Gita later teaches:

True wisdom includes selfless duty
Dharma must guide difficult decisions
Inner clarity removes confusion

This verse symbolizes:

The struggle between emotional attachment and righteous action.

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38 remains highly relevant today.

People often:

Ignore consequences for short-term gain
Make unethical choices knowingly
Struggle between ambition and morality

This verse teaches:

Awareness should lead to responsibility
Ethics matter in every decision
Family values deserve protection
Long-term peace is more important than temporary success

Life Lesson from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38

1. Knowledge Creates Responsibility

Wise individuals must act according to morality and truth.

2. Ethics Prevent Long-Term Harm

Thinking carefully before acting protects peace and relationships.

3. Righteousness Is Greater Than Ambition

Temporary success is meaningless if gained through harmful actions.

Famous Quote from This Verse

Wisdom is meaningful only when it guides humans away from wrongdoing.

FAQs About Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38

Q1.What does Bhagavad Gita 1.38 teach?

Ans: The verse teaches ethics, responsibility, moral awareness, and the importance of righteous action.

Q2.Why did Arjuna want to avoid battle in this verse?

Ans: Arjuna believed that knowingly destroying family traditions and relationships would be sinful.

Q3.Why is this verse important?

Ans: This verse highlights the responsibility that comes with wisdom and ethical understanding.

Q4.What does “Kulakshaya” mean?

Ans: “Kulakshaya” means destruction of family or family traditions.

Q5.How is Bhagavad Gita 1.38 relevant today?

Ans: The verse teaches modern lessons about ethical leadership, responsibility, family values, and long-term thinking.

Related Bhagavad Gita Verses

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 37
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 39
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 47

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 38 beautifully emphasizes that wisdom and moral understanding create responsibility toward righteous action.

This timeless verse reminds us that ethics, family values, and long-term peace should never be sacrificed for temporary ambition or selfish desires. It teaches the importance of making conscious, responsible, and compassionate decisions in life.

Harishyam Arts

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.

Harishyam Arts | Jaipur

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