Chapter-1
OBSERVING THE ARMIES ON THE BATTLEFIELD OF KURUKSHETRA
COMMON THEME: The very beginning of Bhagavad-gita, the first chapter, is more or less an introduction to the background of where and how the Bhagavad Gita is spoken.
Summary of Chapter-1
Section I : Introduction
Text (1.1)
Dhrtarashtra inquires from Sanjaya “After my sons and the sons of Pandu assembled in the place of pilgrimage (Dharma-ksetra) at Kuruksetra, desiring to fight, what did they do?”
Text (1.2-1.11)
Duryodhana’s actions are described – They reveal his diplomacy and inner fear by the following indications:
1. Duryodhana although mentioned as king, goes to the commander on account of seriousness of situation – quite fit to be a politician (1.2)
2. Points out Drona’s mistake (of imparting military secrets to son of Drupada, Dhrstadyumna who was born to kill Dronacharya) to make him alert and uncompromising and warns that leniency would lead to defeat (1.3)
3. Mentions great heroes equal to Bhima and Arjuna on Pandava’s side (1.4-1.6)
4. Mentions heroes on Kaurava’s side who are ready to lay down their lives for “me” (like Jayadratha, Krtavarma, Salya) (1.7-1.9)
5. Praises Bhisma (1.10) – He was confident of full support of Bhismadeva and Dronacarya
6. Asks for everyone’s support for Bhisma (1.11)
Signs of victory of Pandavas (1.12-1.20)
Sanjaya tactfully informed Dhrtarashtra about “his hopeless plans to win” by giving the various indications and signs.
Text (1.12-1.13)
Bhisma blows his conchshell, after that all other instruments (drums, bugles, trumpets and horns) were suddenly sounded that made a tumultuous sound.
Text (1.14-1.18)
Lord Krishna, Pandavas and others blew there conchshells. Name of mentioned conchshells are
- Krishna : Panchjanya
- Arjuna : Devdatta
- Yudhistra : Anantavijay
- Bhima : Paundra
- Nakul : Sughosa
- Sahadev : Manipusphak
Text (1.19)
Shattering of the hearts – Conchshells of Pandavas shattered the heart of the sons of Dhrtarashtara
Text (1.20)
Arjuna prepared to shoot arrows seated in the chariot bearing the flag marked with Hanumān and after looking at the sons of Dhrtarashtara, spoke to Krishna.
Text (1.21-1.23)
Arjuna requests the infallible (अच्युत) Lord Krishna to draw his chariot in the middle. To see who were the leading men present with a desire to fight, to please evil-minded son of Dhrtarashtra.
Text (1.24)
Krishna draws the chariot – Krishna (हृषीकेशः) draws the chariot on request of Arjuna (गुडाकेश) in the midst of the armies of both parties.
Text (1.25)
Lord Krishna places the chariot in front of Bhisma, Drona etc.
Text (1.26-1.27)
Arjuna sees all the relatives assembled on both the sides and thus overwhelmed with compassion, he starts speaking.
Section II : Arjuna’s reason not to fight
Text (1.28-1.30)
9 signs of compassion in Arjun
- Limbs (अंग) – Quvering (कांपना)
- Mouth – Drying up
- Whole body – Trembling (कांपना)
- Hair – Standing on end
- Hands – Gandiv bow slipping
- Skin – Burning
- Legs – Unable to stand
- “Forgetting myself & mind reeling (चकराना)” due to weakness of heart
- Sees only causes of misfortune
Text (1.31)
Arjuna in a “blind conception of life” cannot see the right way to achieve even the material happiness. He argues that fighting will not offer him any enjoyment, even by victory.
Text (1.32-1.35)
Arjuna exhibits “typical calculation of material life”. He feels that fighting will not give him any enjoyment even if he is victorious because:
- He wants to show off his opulence and share with the society after victory
- Also if there is any need to kill his relatives, let Krishna kill them
Text (1.36-1.38)
Arjuna argues that fighting will incur sinful reactions because of the unique position of the aggressors (आततायियों) as seniors, relatives and friends.
Text (1.39-1.43)
Fighting will cause family destruction in the following 6-step sequence:
Destruction of dynasty (death of elderly) ⇒ Family tradition stops ⇒ Irreligion increases ⇒ Women polluted ⇒ Varna-sankara (unwanted progeny) ⇒
- Hellish life for family & destroyer of family tradition
- Stoppage of offering of food (पिण्ड दान) & water to departed ancestors
- Community projects and family welfare activities are devastated.
5th Argument – Indecision(2.6)
Will be discussed in Chapter-2
Text (2.6)
“Indecision” – Arjuna is confused whether to fight or not to fight
Arjuna decides not to fight and casts aside his bow and arrows.