1. Six kinds of aggressors to be killed (based on grounds of  politics and sociology – Artha-sastra) Killing them does not incur any sin.

1. A Poison-giver;
2. One who sets fire to the house;
3. One who attacks with deadly weapons
4. One who plunders riches;
5. One who occupies another’s land;
6. One who kidnaps a wife

2. Why Arjuna favors forgiveness (based on the grounds of religion and saintly behavior, Dharmasastra)

• Because of the unique position of these aggressors as seniors and relatives
• Forgiveness on account of saintliness
• Arjuna considers why to risk life and eternal salvation for temporary pleasures and kingdom

3. Correct understanding about forgiveness / saintliness

• Saintliness is not justified for a ksatriya
• Compared to “Rama-rajya” – Lord Rama gave sufficient lessons to Ravana who was an aggressor because he kidnapped Rama’s wife, Mother Sita

4. ‘Madhava’ – Arjuna addresses Krishna as ‘Madhava’ to indicate:

• Krishna is the husband of the Goddess of ‘fortune’
• Krishna should not cause an action which brings ‘misfortune’

5. Saintliness of Arjuna – Arjuna’s thorough consideration of evil consequences reveals saintliness (1.37 – 1.38)

• Obligation (To not refuse when challenged to battle or gamble) is binding when the effect is good, not otherwise.
• Therefore Arjuna considered that he is not obliged to fight.