Shloka 39
Chapter 54
बन्धुर् वधार्ह-दोषो ’पि न बन्धोर् वधम् अर्हति ।
त्याज्यः स्वेनैव दोषेण हतः किं हन्यते पुनः ॥
bandhur vadhārha-doṣo 'pi na bandhor vadham arhati / tyājyaḥ svenaiva doṣeṇa hataḥ kiṃ hanyate punaḥ //
Even if a relative has committed an offense worthy of death, a kinsman should not be executed by his own family. Let him be rejected—his own wrongdoing has already struck him down; why should he be killed again?
In this verse, a voice of restraint argues against violent retaliation within one’s own family line. The reasoning is both ethical and psychological: when a person commits a grievous wrong, the consequence of that wrong—loss of honor, trust, and standing—already ‘kills’ him socially and spiritually. Therefore, to physically kill a relative becomes a second, unnecessary blow that further entangles the killers in sin and perpetuates cycles of vengeance. Within Krishna-līlā narratives, such counsel highlights a dharmic tension: kṣatriya justice demands firmness, yet it must be tempered by discrimination (viveka), compassion (dayā), and consideration of long-term harmony. The verse also teaches a broader devotional principle: the devotee’s goal is not to maximize punishment but to minimize further adharma and preserve the possibility of reform, while protecting society. For modern readers, the teaching can be applied as: do not escalate harm when a person’s misdeed has already produced its natural consequences; boundaries and separation may be necessary, but vengeance hardens the heart and multiplies suffering.
FAQs
This verse teaches that even if a relative deserves severe punishment, one should avoid killing him; rejection and separation may suffice because his own wrongdoing already brings ruin.
Because vengeance within family multiplies sin and suffering; the offender is already ‘killed’ by loss of honor and consequence, so further violence is unnecessary and adharmic.
Set firm boundaries and uphold justice, but avoid escalating into revenge—often the natural consequences of wrongdoing already correct or humble the offender.