Gita Notes

Preparation of war

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    1. Why Sanjaya described Duryodhana’s actions first – Because
      ⇒ Dhrtarashtra was blind from birth, bereft of spiritual vision & he knew that his sons were equally blind in the matter of religion
      ⇒ And Dhrtarashtra was afraid that under the influence of the place of pilgrimage, his sons may make some compromise
    2. Study names of warriors on both sides (1.4 – 1.9)
    3. Duryodhana compared Bhisma (more experienced general) to Bhima (less experienced general) (1.10)
      ⇒ Because Duryodhana knew if he should die at all he would be killed by Bhima and was therefore always envious of Bhima
      ⇒ Bhima is like a fig in the presence of Bhisma
    4. What made Duryodhana confident of victory (1.7–1.11)
      ⇒ Above mentioned strength of his friends (1.7–1.9)
      ⇒ Presence of Bhisma, a far superior General than Bhima – He clearly felt that victory of Kurus dependent on the presence of Bhismadeva (1.11)
      ⇒ Confident of full support of Bhisma and Drona as they had shown during Draupadi’s insulting episode (1.11 purport)
    ← Shloka’s translation
    Contents: Chapter 1
    Signs of victory (1.12-1.20) →
    Progress Chapter 1 30%
    1. Bhagavad-gita is the perfect theistic science – because the Supreme Personality of Godhead personally spoke it
    2. How to study Bhagavad-gita – (Srila Prabhupada quotes this based on Gita-mahatmaya):
      ⇒ Scrutinizingly
      ⇒ With the help of devotees of Sri Krishna
      ⇒ Without personally motivated interpretations
      ⇒ In the line of disciplic succession
    3. Example of clear understanding of Bhagavad-gita – It is given in the Gita itself, in the way the teaching is understood by Arjuna, who heard the Gita directly from the Lord
    4. Benefits of such study – one surpasses all studies of Vedic wisdom and all scriptures of the world
    5. Specific standard of Bhagavad-gita – It contains all that is contained in other scriptures, but also that which is not to be found elsewhere
    6. Dhrtarashtra inquiry, partial to his own sons – Dhrtarashtra refers to only his sons as ‘Kurus’ which shows his specific position in relation to his nephews, the Pandavas.
    7. Dhrtarashtra inquiry, uses the specific words ‘Dharma-kshetra’ and ‘Kuru-kshetra’ – Their importance is as follows:
        ⇒ Kuru-kshetra is a sacred place of pilgrimage from immemorial time of the Vedic age
        ⇒ Kuru-kshetra is a holy place and a place of worship even for heavenly denizens
        ⇒ The Supreme Personality of Godhead is personally present on the Pandavas side
        ⇒ Pandavas are virtuous – therefore the holy place may influence them
        ⇒ Dhrtarashtra is fearful about the holy influences on the fate of the battle because:
             (i)  It may influence his own sons to compromise, or
             (ii) He hoped that under the holy influence, the Pandavas may renounce their claim, to avoid bloodshed
        ⇒ Analogy : Paddy field (Kshetra) – unnecessary weeds taken out, similarly in religious ‘field’ of Kuru-kshetra in the presence of the ‘father of religion’ Sri Krishna, unwanted plants like Dhrtarashtra and his son Duryodhana and others would be wiped out.
    Text 1.2-1.11

    COMMON THEME : 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 & 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)
      ⇒ Why he compares them to Bhima and Arjuna – Because he knew the strength of Bhima and Arjuna
      ⇒ Why he mentions other heroes – Because they were great stumbling blocks on the path of victory as each and every one of them was as formidable and Bhima and Arjuna
    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.
      ⇒ They did not protect Draupadi when she was insulted. Although Bhisma and Drona have affection for Pandavas and might become lenient, he hoped that they will give up all affection now.
    6. Asks for everyone’s support for Bhisma (1.11) because
      ⇒ Bhismadeva was undoubtedly the great hero, but he was an old man and the enemy might take advantage of his full engagement on one side
      ⇒ He wanted everyone to feel important 
    Warrior Details
    Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) (1.4)
    • Disciple of Arjuna as he learnt the science of warfare from Arjuna
    • Thus he was obliged to Arjuna, that he did not go to the side of Duryodhana, even though Lord Krsna had given Duryodhana, his Narayani sena.
    • He was Cheiftan of Narayani sena
    • Was not killed in the battle
    Virāṭa (1.4)
    • Pandavas spent a year in concealment during their exile in his empire.
    • King Virata and his three sons, named Uttara, Sveta, Sankha were killed, in the war.
    Drupada (1.4)
    • Father-in-law of Arjuna & father of Draupadi and Dhristdyuman.
    • King Drupada, was killed in the warfare by Dronacarya.
    Dhṛṣṭaketu (1.5)
    • Son of Sisupila
    • Was killed by Dronacarya in war.
    Cekitāna (1.5)
    • He was yadava fighting on the side of Pandavas
    • Was killed by Duryodhana on 18th day.
    Kāśirāja (1.5)
    • King of Kasi
    • Killed in war
    Purujit & Kuntibhoja (1.5)
    • Kunti’s brothers
    • Both were killed at the hands of Dronacarya.
    Śaibya (1.5)
    • Father-in-law to Yudhisthira.
    Yudhāmanyu & Uttamaujā (1.6)
    • Very strong and valiant warriors of Pajicala desh.
    • Were slain in their sleep, by Asvatthama.
    Son of Subhadrā (1.6)
    • He is Abhimanyu, the son to Krsna’s sister named Subhadri. 
    • Killed by Duhsasana’s son, when he unjustly hit him, with a mace on the head.
    Sons of Draupadī (1.6)
    • Five sons, Prativindhya, Sutasoma, Srutakarma, Satanika and Srutasena respectively, from Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva.
    • Asvatthama killed the five sons, while they were asleep at night
    Learnings from Purport 1.2-1.11

    1. Why Sanjaya described Duryodhana’s actions first – Because
      ⇒ Dhrtarashtra was blind from birth, bereft of spiritual vision & he knew that his sons were equally blind in the matter of religion
      ⇒ And Dhrtarashtra was afraid that under the influence of the place of pilgrimage, his sons may make some compromise
    2. Study names of warriors on both sides (1.4 – 1.9)
    3. Duryodhana compared Bhisma (more experienced general) to Bhima (less experienced general) (1.10)
      ⇒ Because Duryodhana knew if he should die at all he would be killed by Bhima and was therefore always envious of Bhima
      ⇒ Bhima is like a fig in the presence of Bhisma
    4. What made Duryodhana confident of victory (1.7–1.11)
      ⇒ Above mentioned strength of his friends (1.7–1.9)
      ⇒ Presence of Bhisma, a far superior General than Bhima – He clearly felt that victory of Kurus dependent on the presence of Bhismadeva (1.11)
      ⇒ Confident of full support of Bhisma and Drona as they had shown during Draupadi’s insulting episode (1.11 purport)
    ← Shloka’s translation
    Contents: Chapter 1
    Signs of victory (1.12-1.20) →
    Progress Chapter 1 30%

      1. Bhagavad-gita is the perfect theistic science – because the Supreme Personality of Godhead personally spoke it
      2. How to study Bhagavad-gita – (Srila Prabhupada quotes this based on Gita-mahatmaya):
        ⇒ Scrutinizingly
        ⇒ With the help of devotees of Sri Krishna
        ⇒ Without personally motivated interpretations
        ⇒ In the line of disciplic succession
      3. Example of clear understanding of Bhagavad-gita – It is given in the Gita itself, in the way the teaching is understood by Arjuna, who heard the Gita directly from the Lord
      4. Benefits of such study – one surpasses all studies of Vedic wisdom and all scriptures of the world
      5. Specific standard of Bhagavad-gita – It contains all that is contained in other scriptures, but also that which is not to be found elsewhere
      6. Dhrtarashtra inquiry, partial to his own sons – Dhrtarashtra refers to only his sons as ‘Kurus’ which shows his specific position in relation to his nephews, the Pandavas.
      7. Dhrtarashtra inquiry, uses the specific words ‘Dharma-kshetra’ and ‘Kuru-kshetra’ – Their importance is as follows:
          ⇒ Kuru-kshetra is a sacred place of pilgrimage from immemorial time of the Vedic age
          ⇒ Kuru-kshetra is a holy place and a place of worship even for heavenly denizens
          ⇒ The Supreme Personality of Godhead is personally present on the Pandavas side
          ⇒ Pandavas are virtuous – therefore the holy place may influence them
          ⇒ Dhrtarashtra is fearful about the holy influences on the fate of the battle because:
               (i)  It may influence his own sons to compromise, or
               (ii) He hoped that under the holy influence, the Pandavas may renounce their claim, to avoid bloodshed
          ⇒ Analogy : Paddy field (Kshetra) – unnecessary weeds taken out, similarly in religious ‘field’ of Kuru-kshetra in the presence of the ‘father of religion’ Sri Krishna, unwanted plants like Dhrtarashtra and his son Duryodhana and others would be wiped out.
      Text 1.2-1.11

      COMMON THEME : 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 & 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)
        ⇒ Why he compares them to Bhima and Arjuna – Because he knew the strength of Bhima and Arjuna
        ⇒ Why he mentions other heroes – Because they were great stumbling blocks on the path of victory as each and every one of them was as formidable and Bhima and Arjuna
      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.
        ⇒ They did not protect Draupadi when she was insulted. Although Bhisma and Drona have affection for Pandavas and might become lenient, he hoped that they will give up all affection now.
      6. Asks for everyone’s support for Bhisma (1.11) because
        ⇒ Bhismadeva was undoubtedly the great hero, but he was an old man and the enemy might take advantage of his full engagement on one side
        ⇒ He wanted everyone to feel important 
      Warrior Details
      Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) (1.4)
      • Disciple of Arjuna as he learnt the science of warfare from Arjuna
      • Thus he was obliged to Arjuna, that he did not go to the side of Duryodhana, even though Lord Krsna had given Duryodhana, his Narayani sena.
      • He was Cheiftan of Narayani sena
      • Was not killed in the battle
      Virāṭa (1.4)
      • Pandavas spent a year in concealment during their exile in his empire.
      • King Virata and his three sons, named Uttara, Sveta, Sankha were killed, in the war.
      Drupada (1.4)
      • Father-in-law of Arjuna & father of Draupadi and Dhristdyuman.
      • King Drupada, was killed in the warfare by Dronacarya.
      Dhṛṣṭaketu (1.5)
      • Son of Sisupila
      • Was killed by Dronacarya in war.
      Cekitāna (1.5)
      • He was yadava fighting on the side of Pandavas
      • Was killed by Duryodhana on 18th day.
      Kāśirāja (1.5)
      • King of Kasi
      • Killed in war
      Purujit & Kuntibhoja (1.5)
      • Kunti’s brothers
      • Both were killed at the hands of Dronacarya.
      Śaibya (1.5)
      • Father-in-law to Yudhisthira.
      Yudhāmanyu & Uttamaujā (1.6)
      • Very strong and valiant warriors of Pajicala desh.
      • Were slain in their sleep, by Asvatthama.
      Son of Subhadrā (1.6)
      • He is Abhimanyu, the son to Krsna’s sister named Subhadri. 
      • Killed by Duhsasana’s son, when he unjustly hit him, with a mace on the head.
      Sons of Draupadī (1.6)
      • Five sons, Prativindhya, Sutasoma, Srutakarma, Satanika and Srutasena respectively, from Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva.
      • Asvatthama killed the five sons, while they were asleep at night
      Learnings from Purport 1.2-1.11

      1. Why Sanjaya described Duryodhana’s actions first – Because
        ⇒ Dhrtarashtra was blind from birth, bereft of spiritual vision & he knew that his sons were equally blind in the matter of religion
        ⇒ And Dhrtarashtra was afraid that under the influence of the place of pilgrimage, his sons may make some compromise
      2. Study names of warriors on both sides (1.4 – 1.9)
      3. Duryodhana compared Bhisma (more experienced general) to Bhima (less experienced general) (1.10)
        ⇒ Because Duryodhana knew if he should die at all he would be killed by Bhima and was therefore always envious of Bhima
        ⇒ Bhima is like a fig in the presence of Bhisma
      4. What made Duryodhana confident of victory (1.7–1.11)
        ⇒ Above mentioned strength of his friends (1.7–1.9)
        ⇒ Presence of Bhisma, a far superior General than Bhima – He clearly felt that victory of Kurus dependent on the presence of Bhismadeva (1.11)
        ⇒ Confident of full support of Bhisma and Drona as they had shown during Draupadi’s insulting episode (1.11 purport)
      ← Shloka’s translation
      Contents: Chapter 1
      Signs of victory (1.12-1.20) →
      Progress Chapter 1 30%

      Preparations for war (1.1-1.11)

      Text 1.1

      THEME: 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?”

      Learnings from Purport 1.1

      1. Bhagavad-gita is the perfect theistic science – because the Supreme Personality of Godhead personally spoke it
      2. How to study Bhagavad-gita – (Srila Prabhupada quotes this based on Gita-mahatmaya):
        ⇒ Scrutinizingly
        ⇒ With the help of devotees of Sri Krishna
        ⇒ Without personally motivated interpretations
        ⇒ In the line of disciplic succession
      3. Example of clear understanding of Bhagavad-gita – It is given in the Gita itself, in the way the teaching is understood by Arjuna, who heard the Gita directly from the Lord
      4. Benefits of such study – one surpasses all studies of Vedic wisdom and all scriptures of the world
      5. Specific standard of Bhagavad-gita – It contains all that is contained in other scriptures, but also that which is not to be found elsewhere
      6. Dhrtarashtra inquiry, partial to his own sons – Dhrtarashtra refers to only his sons as ‘Kurus’ which shows his specific position in relation to his nephews, the Pandavas.
      7. Dhrtarashtra inquiry, uses the specific words ‘Dharma-kshetra’ and ‘Kuru-kshetra’ – Their importance is as follows:
          ⇒ Kuru-kshetra is a sacred place of pilgrimage from immemorial time of the Vedic age
          ⇒ Kuru-kshetra is a holy place and a place of worship even for heavenly denizens
          ⇒ The Supreme Personality of Godhead is personally present on the Pandavas side
          ⇒ Pandavas are virtuous – therefore the holy place may influence them
          ⇒ Dhrtarashtra is fearful about the holy influences on the fate of the battle because:
               (i)  It may influence his own sons to compromise, or
               (ii) He hoped that under the holy influence, the Pandavas may renounce their claim, to avoid bloodshed
          ⇒ Analogy : Paddy field (Kshetra) – unnecessary weeds taken out, similarly in religious ‘field’ of Kuru-kshetra in the presence of the ‘father of religion’ Sri Krishna, unwanted plants like Dhrtarashtra and his son Duryodhana and others would be wiped out.
      Text 1.2-1.11

      COMMON THEME : 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 & 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)
        ⇒ Why he compares them to Bhima and Arjuna – Because he knew the strength of Bhima and Arjuna
        ⇒ Why he mentions other heroes – Because they were great stumbling blocks on the path of victory as each and every one of them was as formidable and Bhima and Arjuna
      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.
        ⇒ They did not protect Draupadi when she was insulted. Although Bhisma and Drona have affection for Pandavas and might become lenient, he hoped that they will give up all affection now.
      6. Asks for everyone’s support for Bhisma (1.11) because
        ⇒ Bhismadeva was undoubtedly the great hero, but he was an old man and the enemy might take advantage of his full engagement on one side
        ⇒ He wanted everyone to feel important 
      Warrior Details
      Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) (1.4)
      • Disciple of Arjuna as he learnt the science of warfare from Arjuna
      • Thus he was obliged to Arjuna, that he did not go to the side of Duryodhana, even though Lord Krsna had given Duryodhana, his Narayani sena.
      • He was Cheiftan of Narayani sena
      • Was not killed in the battle
      Virāṭa (1.4)
      • Pandavas spent a year in concealment during their exile in his empire.
      • King Virata and his three sons, named Uttara, Sveta, Sankha were killed, in the war.
      Drupada (1.4)
      • Father-in-law of Arjuna & father of Draupadi and Dhristdyuman.
      • King Drupada, was killed in the warfare by Dronacarya.
      Dhṛṣṭaketu (1.5)
      • Son of Sisupila
      • Was killed by Dronacarya in war.
      Cekitāna (1.5)
      • He was yadava fighting on the side of Pandavas
      • Was killed by Duryodhana on 18th day.
      Kāśirāja (1.5)
      • King of Kasi
      • Killed in war
      Purujit & Kuntibhoja (1.5)
      • Kunti’s brothers
      • Both were killed at the hands of Dronacarya.
      Śaibya (1.5)
      • Father-in-law to Yudhisthira.
      Yudhāmanyu & Uttamaujā (1.6)
      • Very strong and valiant warriors of Pajicala desh.
      • Were slain in their sleep, by Asvatthama.
      Son of Subhadrā (1.6)
      • He is Abhimanyu, the son to Krsna’s sister named Subhadri. 
      • Killed by Duhsasana’s son, when he unjustly hit him, with a mace on the head.
      Sons of Draupadī (1.6)
      • Five sons, Prativindhya, Sutasoma, Srutakarma, Satanika and Srutasena respectively, from Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva.
      • Asvatthama killed the five sons, while they were asleep at night
      Learnings from Purport 1.2-1.11

      1. Why Sanjaya described Duryodhana’s actions first – Because
        ⇒ Dhrtarashtra was blind from birth, bereft of spiritual vision & he knew that his sons were equally blind in the matter of religion
        ⇒ And Dhrtarashtra was afraid that under the influence of the place of pilgrimage, his sons may make some compromise
      2. Study names of warriors on both sides (1.4 – 1.9)
      3. Duryodhana compared Bhisma (more experienced general) to Bhima (less experienced general) (1.10)
        ⇒ Because Duryodhana knew if he should die at all he would be killed by Bhima and was therefore always envious of Bhima
        ⇒ Bhima is like a fig in the presence of Bhisma
      4. What made Duryodhana confident of victory (1.7–1.11)
        ⇒ Above mentioned strength of his friends (1.7–1.9)
        ⇒ Presence of Bhisma, a far superior General than Bhima – He clearly felt that victory of Kurus dependent on the presence of Bhismadeva (1.11)
        ⇒ Confident of full support of Bhisma and Drona as they had shown during Draupadi’s insulting episode (1.11 purport)
      ← Shloka’s translation
      Contents: Chapter 1
      Signs of victory (1.12-1.20) →
      Progress Chapter 1 30%

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