Chapter 1: Arjuna Viṣhāda Yoga – Transforming Grief into Yoga: Verse 44
उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणां मनुष्याणां जनार्दन ।
नरकेऽनियतं वासो भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम ॥
utsanna-kula-dharmāṇāṃ manuṣyāṇāṃ janārdana
narake’niyataṃ vāso bhavatīty-anuśuśruma – 1.44
Those who corrupt their family morals and auspicious practices, O Janardana, are bound to live in hell for many years. This is what we have heard.
Chapter 1: Arjuna Viṣhāda Yoga – Transforming Grief into Yoga - Verse 44
Swami Nirviseshananda Tirtha
Kula-dharma means the traditional rituals, morals, and auspicious cultural practices followed in a family from ancient times. The destruction of kula-dharma is considered extremely grave. Those who are guilty of this act are believed to be driven to hell for an indefinitely long period.
Arjuna says: “This is the strong view expressed by elderly people. I cannot disregard what they say. Rather, I should adhere to and heed their voice in full faith and acceptance.”
Everything in our life cannot come from one’s own personal or direct experience. With regard to matters that are beyond personal experience, the views and wishes of others have an undeniable place. Any mind, especially in distress, is influenced by this.
The extermination of kula-dharma is a calamity that should be prevented at all costs. It is very difficult to build a society with stable cultural foundations and a set of meaningful practices that remain as its tradition, path, and guiding adherence.
