gurūn ahatvā hi mahānubhāvān śreyo bhoktuṁ bhaikṣyam apīha loke hatvārtha-kāmāṁs tu gurūn ihaiva bhuñjīya bhogān rudhira-pradigdhān
"It would be better to live as a beggar in this world than to kill these noble teachers. If I kill them, everything I enjoy will be stained with their blood."
What This Means:
Arjuna says he'd rather be homeless and beg for food than kill his teachers. Even if he wins the war and gains the kingdom, how could he enjoy it? Every pleasure would remind him of the blood he spilled to get it.
Going Deeper:
This verse reveals Arjuna's integrity. He's not thinking about victory or defeat—he's thinking about how he could live with himself afterward. The phrase 'rudhira-pradigdhan' (smeared with blood) is visceral. Arjuna understands that some victories cost more than they're worth.
How To Apply This:
Before pursuing any goal, ask: What will this cost me internally? A promotion gained through betrayal, money earned through exploitation—these 'victories' are stained with blood. True success is one you can enjoy with a clear conscience.
Key Sanskrit Terms: