Arjuna's Dilemma

Definition

Arjuna's Dilemma refers to the moral and ethical conflict faced by the warrior prince Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, where he struggles with his duty as a fighter against his personal feelings of compassion and reluctance to kill his own relatives in battle. This dilemma highlights the complex nature of dharma, or righteous duty, within Hindu ethics, as Arjuna must navigate his obligations as a Kshatriya (warrior class) against his emotional attachments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arjuna's Dilemma occurs on the battlefield just before the Kurukshetra War, where he is torn between his duty as a warrior and his love for his family members on the opposing side.
2. The dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna addresses key philosophical questions about morality, duty, and the nature of life and death.
3. Krishna's counsel to Arjuna emphasizes that one must fulfill their dharma without attachment to the results of their actions.
4. Arjuna's struggle serves as an allegory for the broader human condition, illustrating how individuals often face difficult choices regarding their responsibilities and personal beliefs.
5. Ultimately, Arjuna resolves his dilemma by accepting his role in the battle, guided by Krishna’s teachings about selflessness and duty.

Review Questions

• How does Arjuna's Dilemma illustrate the concept of dharma in Hindu ethics?
  • Arjuna's Dilemma exemplifies the concept of dharma by showcasing the conflict between personal emotions and social responsibilities. As a Kshatriya, Arjuna is bound by his duty to fight in the war, yet he grapples with the moral implications of killing his relatives. This tension illustrates how dharma can be complex and multifaceted, requiring individuals to weigh their responsibilities against their personal values.
• Discuss the role of Krishna in resolving Arjuna's Dilemma and how it reflects broader themes in Hindu philosophy.
  • Krishna plays a pivotal role in guiding Arjuna through his moral crisis by offering insights into the nature of life, death, and selfless action. His teachings encourage Arjuna to rise above personal attachments and fulfill his duties without concern for the outcomes. This interaction reflects broader themes in Hindu philosophy about detachment, righteousness, and the importance of adhering to one's dharma despite emotional conflicts.
• Evaluate how Arjuna's Dilemma serves as a metaphor for contemporary ethical challenges faced by individuals today.
  • Arjuna's Dilemma can be seen as a metaphor for modern ethical challenges where individuals must balance personal beliefs against societal expectations. In various contexts—be it professional responsibilities or personal relationships—people often encounter situations where fulfilling obligations may conflict with their values or emotions. This dilemma emphasizes the ongoing struggle to find harmony between individual conscience and societal roles, highlighting that these ethical conflicts are timeless and universal.

Related terms

Dharma: The moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life, encompassing duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and ‘right’ way of living.

Kshatriya: The warrior class in Hindu society responsible for protection and governance; their duty includes engaging in warfare and maintaining justice.

Bhagavad Gita: A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, containing a conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna on duty and righteousness.