Chapter1 Verse - 40

 

Verse 40:

कुलक्षये प्रणश्यन्ति कुलधर्मा: सनातना: |

धर्मे नष्टे कुलं कृत्स्नमधर्मोऽभिभवत्युत || 40||

Transliteration:

Kulakshaye praNashyanti kuladharmAH sanAtAnAH.

Dharmae naSTe kulaM krtsnamadharmo.abhibhavatyuta..40..

            Click here to listen the verse

Word-by-word meaning:

कुलक्षये – by the destruction of the race; प्रणश्यन्ति – are destroyed; कुलधर्मा: -  traditions of the race; सनातना: -  immemorial; धर्मे – (of)traditions; नष्टे - by the destruction (of) ;कुलं – the race; कृत्स्नम् – complete; अधर्मः – unrighteous; अभिभवत्युत​ -  overcome;

Meaning:

With the decline of the race, the traditions are destroyed. With the destruction of the traditions, it will be difficult to overcome the unrighteousness.

Significance:

Traditions of the race : Following are told as the reasons on why people are afraid or why people do not go in the path of Adharma - *Fear of God * Words of Shastras * fear of losing the family practices * Rules of Government * Fear of losing health and wealth. Among these the first two depends on one’s belief. Some may not believe in God and Shastras. The rules of the government should be the protect the people , but unfortunately people who are in power may not abide by righteousness.  The main reason why people stay away from unrighteous deeds is due to the loss of physical strength and wealth.

                                  The practices that was carried by the people in that race, which were auspicious, with certain rules which guides them with good principles are termed as the traditions of a race.  When a generation is destroyed in a particular race, the upcoming generation will be devoid of elders who will pass on the values to them. When the kids are unaware of their own practices and values, they may behave like the horses which has no control.