Bhagavad Gita 1.44 is Chapter 1, Verse 44, in Arjuna Vishada Yoga (Arjuna's Dilemma). Below are the Sanskrit text, a transliteration, a plain-English translation and an explanation.
utsanna-kula-dharmāṇāṁ manuṣyāṇāṁ janārdana narake 'niyataṁ vāso bhavatīty anuśuśruma
"O Krishna, we have heard that those whose family traditions are destroyed must dwell indefinitely in hell."
What This Means:
Arjuna cites scripture: 'We have heard' (anuśuśruma) that destroyers of family traditions go to hell. He's appealing to religious authority to support his position.
Going Deeper:
Arjuna is selectively citing scripture. The same traditions also teach that a warrior who abandons righteous battle goes to hell. He's picking the texts that support his current emotion while ignoring others.
How To Apply This:
We can find scriptural or authoritative support for almost any position. Be honest about whether you're seeking truth or seeking confirmation for what you've already decided.
Key Sanskrit Terms: