Sloka 34
Ācāryān pitaraḥ putrās
tathaiva ca pitāmahāḥ
mātulāḥ śvaśurāḥ pautrāḥ
śyālāḥ sambandhinas tathā

Sloka 35
Etān na hantum icchāmi
ghnato ’pi madhusūdana
api trailokya-rājyasya
hetoḥ kiṁ nu mahī-kṛte

In these verses, Arjuna explains why he does not wish to fight the battle. He feels that the consequences of the war will be devastating, as it would lead to the destruction of families and the loss of his own relatives. His pain does not arise from fear of the war itself, but from the thought of losing his loved ones. He is also conscious that people may blame him for the suffering caused.
This reflects a common human tendency. When we focus too much on the consequences of our actions, the imagined destruction can feel overwhelming and unbearable. The mind becomes trapped in fear of blame, guilt, and loss. Arjuna wonders: even if he gains the kingdom, what value would it have after losing his own kith and kin? The future appears dark, frightening, and filled with sorrow. This darkness seems far greater than he can endure.
However, this destruction is not initiated by the Pandavas; it is the result of the actions of the Kauravas. The responsibility for the war lies with those who chose injustice and cruelty.
For example, when acts of destruction occur—such as terrorist attacks or violent operations like Operation Sindoor—a nation is compelled to respond. Such reactions are not driven by hatred, but by the need to protect righteousness and restore balance. Destruction continues only until hearts and minds are purified. Until then, conflict becomes unavoidable.
Destructive individuals will continue their harmful actions if they are not confronted. Remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing does not lead to peace; instead, it indirectly allows injustice to continue. Therefore, responding to adharma becomes necessary.
Rather than seeing the situation as the arrival of darkness, Arjuna could have understood that he was meant to remove darkness and bring in light. By standing up for righteousness, he would not be causing destruction, but preventing greater harm. Yet, overwhelmed by sorrow, Arjuna feels that by fighting, light will be lost and darkness will prevail. In truth, by performing his duty, he would be restoring light and dispelling darkness.