What joy could come of this

nihatya dhārtarāṣṭrānnaḥ kā prītiḥ syājjanārdanapāpamevāśrayedasmānhatvaitānātatāyinaḥ

What joy could we find in killing Dhritarashtra's sons, Janardana? Only wrongdoing would cling to us, even though they attacked first.

What it means

Arjuna admits the Kauravas are aggressors. They burned houses, stole a kingdom, humiliated Draupadi. By old rules, fighting them is just. Yet he feels pāpa would cling to him. Pāpa means wrongdoing, a stain on the heart. He is caught between law and conscience.

The story

Calling Krishna Janardana, the one who cares for people, Arjuna asks how any of this could bring joy. He's not wrong that victory won't feel happy. The question Krishna will raise is different. Not, will this feel good, but, what is right to do?

In your life

Picture someone who finally reports a bullying boss and feels sick instead of relieved. Doing right doesn't always feel good. Ask what was right, not what felt good. They are often different questions.