Rather beg than win this way

gurūnahatvā hi mahānubhāvān śreyo bhoktuṃ bhaikṣyamapīha lokehatvārthakāmāṃstu gurūnihaiva bhuñjīya bhogān rudhirapradigdhān

Better to live on alms than kill these noble teachers. Whatever joys I won would be stained with their blood.

What it means

Arjuna argues like a man of conscience. For a prince in his world, begging for food was a deep humiliation. Yet he'd choose it over a throne bought with his teachers' lives. His instinct is good. What Krishna will soon question is whether grief is now doing his thinking.

The story

For thirteen years the Pandava brothers lived in exile, in forests and finally in disguise. Arjuna knows hardship. So his offer is real. He would take up a beggar's bowl tomorrow, if it meant never raising his bow against the men who taught him.

In your life

You and your siblings are heading to court over the family house. You could probably win. But at what cost, every holiday from now on? Before deciding, picture yourself ten years later, and ask what you'd regret.