Bhagwad Geeta Chapter 1 – Vishada Yoga

Chapter 1, Verse 1

This is the introduction to the setting of the Geetha. Dritarashtra¹ who is blind by birth has requested Sanjaya² to narrate what’s happening on the battle field. Sanjaya has the extra sensory perception to see events happening at a distance without being there. In the first stanza, Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya what’s happening in the field. Dhritarashtra is a bit nervous to know the events, whether his Sons (Kurus³) will win the war against his Nephew’s (Pandavas⁴). He is nervous because the war is being fought in the holy land of Kurukshetra⁵ and he is worried that the holiness of this land will support the virtues of Pandava’s and they will win. Here we should understand that when people are virtuous, then the holy atmosphere supports them. If we develop noble qualities, then in times of war the surrounding universe will help us.

As per my understanding, Geetha is a model to demonstrate the war between good and evil that happens in our minds/hearts. The Kuru’s are the evil/bad and the Pandava’s are depicted as virtuous/Good that is within ourselves. Kurukshetra is the body where the war happens.

Chapter 1, Verse 2

Sanjaya is replying to Dhritarashtra what he has seen on the battle field. Sanjaya says “king Duryodhana has seen the soldiers of Pandava’s arranged in a battle formation and he went to speak to his teacher Dronacharya⁶ the following words.”

Coming back to see the setting as the fight between good and evil, we can see that the evil Duryodhana though confident of winning the war (Evil is always confident of winning the war against good) is a bit nervous. If the Virtues (Soldiers of Pandava’s) are arranged in a proper fashion for the war against the evil, then evil will fear the fight.

Chapter 1, Verse 3

In this stanza, we observe that Duryodhana is in conversation with Dronacharya, the teacher for both Pandavas and Kurus. Dronacharya is a great teacher and has imparted his skills equally to all who have learnt with him. Though he knows very well that there is a danger to his life from Dhrastadyumna⁷ (Son of Drupada) he agreed to teach him military skills. This shows the greatness of Dronacharya. With the skills learnt from Dronacharya, Dhrastadumna has arranged the forces of Pandavas ready for the battle in an orderly manner. Duryodhana reminds Dronacharya that his teachings are used against him.

Historical context: Dronacharya had a quarrel with Drupada. Drupada made a yagna and got a boon that his son will kill Dronacharya. Dronacharya knew this but still, he imparted training to Dhristadumna. Dhristadumna became the commander in chief of Pandava forces.

Chapter 1, Verse 4

To fight the battle on the side of good are many warriors along with Arjuna and Bhima. Notable among them are Yuyudhana⁸ and Virata⁹. Yuyudhana is related to Lord Shri Krishna and Virata belongs to the Matsya Kingdom.

We can derive confidence that in the fight against evil all the forces of Good nature come together to help us win the battle.

Chapter 1, Verse 5

This Stanza continuous the introduction of warriors on the Pandava Side by Duryodhana to Dronacharya. He introduces Dhristaketu¹⁰ of Chedi Clan and also Chekitana¹¹ of Vrishni clan and kasirajah¹² as Viryavan meaning heroic or very powerfull. The quality of “Purujit” winner of many battles was given to Kuntibhoja¹³. The attribute of “Narapungava” noblest of all men was given to King Saibya. In the end all these warriors are killed by Dronacharya in the battle.

Chapter 1, Verse 6

Here the attribute of “Vikrantah” valient is given to Yudhamanyu¹⁴ and quality of “Viryavaan” meaning powerfull was given to Uttamanuja¹⁴. Both are brothers of the Panchala Kingdom and are assigned to protect Arjuna in the war. At the battle also there are sons of Draupadi (Yudhishthira begat Prativindhya; Bhima, Sutasoma; Arjuna, Srutakriti; Nakula, Satanika; and Sahadeva, Srutakarman) and also Son of Subhadra , Abhimanyu ¹⁵.

All the above warriors are mentioned as Maha-rathas meaning they can fight 10,000 bow-men at a time and a master of Warcraft. By using the word Sarve –Maha rathe , Duryodhana tries to instigate Dronacharya by including Artha-rathas as Maha rathas.

Chapter 1, Verse 7

Now after introduction of forces of Pandavas, Duryodhana tunrs towards his forces and starts describing them. He addresses Dronacharya as Dwijottama, meaning he is a Brahman and he is also confident that the best leaders are on his side. He thinks that Drona who is teacher of Military skills is on his side and there should be no problem whatsoever for him in defeating Pandavas.

From the earlier stanzas we can infer that there is doubt in the mind of Duryodhana, Drithrashtra whether they can win this battle. We can infer that even evil has doubts whether it can win the battle.

Chapter 1, Verse 8

Duryodhana describes the names of leaders of Kaurava army. He mentions “ever victorious” leaders for Bhishma¹⁶, Dronacharya,karna ¹⁷ and Kripa¹⁸. They have never been defeated in a war and their presence has enhanced the strength of the Kauravas. Also mentioned are leaders like Aswathama¹⁹, Vikarna²⁰, Saumadatti²¹. These are all great leaders on the side of kauravas.

Chapter 1, Verse 9

Duryodhana makes a very powerful statement in this stanza. He says not only the great warriors described above, but also there are many warriors on his side. He says not only on his side, but also they are ready to lay his life for his desire (to in the battle). We can observe he is slowly getting confidence. He commands the warriors on his side that they are not only well-versed in various military tactics, they are equipped with various weapons.

In a normal individual’s life also there are various weapons that make him/her do wrong. They are specifically greed, lust, Anger etc. The virtues of the person should face these weapons constantly in life to make good choices to lead a happy life. A person has to develop defences against these warriors and their weapons which makes his life unhappy.

Chapter 1, Verse 10

In this Duryodhana lines to increase his confidence by comparing the strengths of Bhishma and Bhima. Everyone knows the strengths of Bhishma. He has the blessing of icha mrityu and he is an invincible person. His strengths can always overpower the Bhima of Pandava army. Now Duryodhana gets the confidence that he can beat the Pandavas.

An excellent poem written by Veda Vyasa. The last word of the first line ( Bhismabhi Rakshitam) and the last word of the second line ( Bhimabhi rakshitam ) both rhyme and creates a good sound in the ears. The first word of first line “aparyaptam” and the first word of the second line “paryaptam” creates contrast in the poem.

Chapter 1, Verse 11

Here Duryodhana is telling Dronacharya the importance of protecting the top leader. It is very much important in the modern-day context, as for how good leaders have to be protected from different onslaughts. The entire formations must be used to protect the leader, if the leader is safe then the community is safe.

This stanza also opens up a weak link. Durodhana is making a fervent appeal to protect Bhishma from all sides. This shows that though Duryodhana is confident that he will win the battle, but still has doubts in his mind. The evil is always confident, but not 100 percent sure. If there is a group of good people around a person then evil cannot harm him/her. We can also infer that good should use all formations to protect the truth and the protector of Truth.

Chapter 1, Verse 12

In this stanza, we hear the strong roar of Lion, followed by the conch shell sound of Bhishma. Bhishma is a very valiant person, and can never be defeated by ordinary persons. His conch shell sound depicts his confidence and makes sure that he will win the battle. There is no necessity for any other person to make him confident, he himself is very confident and wanted to boost the confidence of others by sounding the conch shell. He boosts the confidence of Duryodhana in this stanza.

Chapter 1, Verse 13

This stanza brings the onset of the battle. After Bhishma’s conch shell sound, other leaders blew the conch shells and made the sounds of different instruments. This is called the beginning of the battle. In modern context this can be seen as a start of battle between virtues and vices within ourselves. When the virtues win the inner battles, they will have a lasting effect on the real world outside. We can change the external world only by winning the internal wars of good and evil.

Chapter 1, Verse 14

Lord Krishna and Arjuna are ready to fight the battle. The beautiful description of the chariot having the flag of Monkey is well known to people who have seen the Mahabharata war descriptions. Here, Krishna blows his Panchajanya²² and Arjuna blows his conch shell Devadatta. It symbolizes the onset of the war. The combination of Krishna and Arjuna is sure to bring Victory to Pandavas.

To win the battles of life, one must ensure that he/she is in the company of good people and good virtues. It is very difficult to win the battle without the association of good people. One should constantly ensure to keep the company of good persons in life.

Chapter 1, Verse 15

In this stanza, there is a mention of blowing conch shells by Bhima, Yudhisthira²³, Nakula and Sahadeva. Bhima blows his Paundra and Yudhisthira blows his Anantavijaya. Nakula blows Sughosa and Sahadeva blows Manipushpaka. All the brothers of Arjuna are also ready to fight the war.

Chapter 1, Verse 16

The blowing of conch shells continues by other leaders. Here, King of Kasi²⁴ is mentioned as an expert archer. The great warrior Sikhandi, the commander of Pandavas is mentioned. Dhristadyumna²⁵ and Virata and unconquerable Satyaki is mentioned. They all blew their conch shells.

There is a mention of Sikhandi, who was a female and was transformed into a male by a yaksha. He is the son of Drupada and will be instrumental in Bhishma’s fall.

Chapter 1, Verse 17

The sons of Draupadi also blew the conch shells and the sound of the conch shells reverberated in the earth and sky. This creates a confidence that the sons of Pandavas are ready to continue the legacy of virtues and Dharma in the world.

Chapter 1, Verse 18

Here, Kashya, Sikhandi, Dhrstadyumna, Virata, and unconquerable Satyaki all blew their conch shells. This also shows the enthusiasm and readiness of warriors on the Pandavas side. In an individual context this can be seen as the readiness of all the virtues to fight against the bad and establish Dharma.

Chapter 1, Verse 19

The terrible sound of the conch shells by the Pandavas shook the hearts of the sons of Dhrtarastra. Here we can infer that if we keep blowing the conch shell of Dharma, the hearts of bad people will be shaken. If there is a constant reminder of Dharma, then the Adharma cannot survive for long. The bad will always fear and tremble if Dharma is constantly practised by an individual.

Chapter 1, Verse 20

After the conch shell sounds of the Pandavas, now Arjuna takes his bow to fight the battle. He sees the Kaurava army ready for the war and he is ready to shoot the arrows. Here, we can infer that a person has to be ready to face the challenges of life with his armour of bow and arrow. As per my understanding, we can compare the bow and arrow to the mental strength and virtues that are required to face the challenges of life.

Chapter 1, Verse 21-22

In this stanza, Arjuna requests Krishna to take the chariot in between the two armies so that he can see the forces of both sides. Krishna takes the chariot to the middle of the battle field, in between the two forces. This shows the importance of having the right information before starting any work or battle. It is important to see and understand the people who are supporting and opposing us in the task of life. Only when the knowledge is there of the forces of good and evil, can we plan for a successful outcome.

Chapter 1, Verse 23

Here Arjuna sees his own men, relatives, friends, brothers, uncles, sons, and grandsons in both the armies. He is a bit confused and shattered to see all of them ready to kill each other for the sake of a kingdom. The important observation here is the entire world is a stage and everyone who is associated with us in life is related to us. We have to understand the importance of all people around us and should not be carried away by the enmity that the world creates between people. It is important to realise the fact that all human beings are connected to each other in some way or the other.

Chapter 1, Verse 24-25

In this stanza, Arjuna sees the Kauravas ready to fight against him. He sees the leaders Bhisma and Drona and other leaders who are very dear to him ready to fight against him. Here he gets confused and is in a dilemma whether to fight the battle against his own people or not. We can understand the importance of thinking and analysing before making any decision in life. Life presents us with difficult choices and sometimes we have to fight against our own people for the sake of truth and Dharma. This is the message from this stanza.

Chapter 1, Verse 26-27

In this stanza, Arjuna’s feelings are described by the poet. Arjuna sees his Grandfathers, teachers, uncles, brothers, sons and grandsons ready for the battle and he is confused whether to kill them or not. In life we are faced with difficult choices where we have to choose between Dharma and our own people. The choice becomes difficult and the mind is confused. This stanza shows the mental turmoil and emotional distress Arjuna is going through seeing his own people ready to kill each other for the sake of a kingdom.

Chapter 1, Verse 28-29

Arjuna is feeling the mental stress of seeing his own people ready for war. His body is trembling, his mouth is drying up and he is feeling the weakness in his body. This stanza shows the importance of mental strength in facing the challenges of life. Even a great warrior like Arjuna feels the stress and weakness in front of a big challenge. It is important to develop mental strength and emotional stability to face the challenges of life. This can be done through constant practice of Yoga and meditation.

Chapter 1, Verse 30-31

Arjuna says he is unable to stand and his mind is reeling. He is confused and is not able to think clearly. This shows the importance of clarity of thought in facing the challenges of life. When the mind is confused and not clear, it is difficult to make the right decisions. This can lead to failure and distress. It is important to keep the mind clear and focused to face the challenges of life.

Chapter 1, Verse 32-33

Arjuna says he does not want to kill his own people and desires no kingdom, pleasure, or happiness that comes from such a war. This shows the importance of understanding the futility of material desires and the importance of Dharma in life. Life presents us with choices and sometimes we have to choose Dharma over material desires. This is the message from this stanza.

Chapter 1, Verse 34-35

Arjuna sees his teachers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and friends ready to kill each other for the sake of a kingdom. He is confused and is not able to decide whether to fight or not. This shows the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the importance of making the right choices in life. Life presents us with difficult choices and it is important to think and analyse before making any decision. This can help in making the right choices and leading a happy life.

Chapter 1, Verse 36-37

Arjuna says that even if they gain the kingdom, pleasure, and happiness by killing their own people, it is not worth it. He says that the sin of killing their own people will destroy the happiness and peace that comes from such a victory. This shows the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the importance of making the right choices in life. Life presents us with difficult choices and it is important to think and analyse before making any decision. This can help in making the right choices and leading a happy life.

Chapter 1, Verse 38-39

Arjuna says that the destruction of family and the killing of their own people will lead to the destruction of Dharma and the loss of family traditions. This shows the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the importance of making the right choices in life. Life presents us with difficult choices and it is important to think and analyse before making any decision. This can help in making the right choices and leading a happy life.

Chapter 1, Verse 40-41

Arjuna says that the destruction of family traditions and the loss of Dharma will lead to the degradation of women and the rise of Adharma. This shows the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the importance of making the right choices in life. Life presents us with difficult choices and it is important to think and analyse before making any decision. This can help in making the right choices and leading a happy life.

Chapter 1, Verse 42-43

Arjuna says that the rise of Adharma will lead to the destruction of the family and the loss of family traditions. This shows the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the importance of making the right choices in life. Life presents us with difficult choices and it is important to think and analyse before making any decision. This can help in making the right choices and leading a happy life.

Chapter 1, Verse 44-45

Arjuna says that the loss of family traditions and the rise of Adharma will lead to the destruction of the family and the loss of Dharma. This shows the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the importance of making the right choices in life. Life presents us with difficult choices and it is important to think and analyse before making any decision. This can help in making the right choices and leading a happy life.

Chapter 1, Verse 46-47

Arjuna says that it is better to be killed by the sons of Dhrtarastra than to kill their own people and gain the kingdom. He drops his bow and arrow and sits down in the chariot, overwhelmed with grief and confusion. This shows the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the importance of making the right choices in life. Life presents us with difficult choices and it is important to think and analyse before making any decision. This can help in making the right choices and leading a happy life.

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Note:

1. Dritarashtra – Father of Kauravas. He was blind from birth.

2. Sanjaya – Advisor and charioteer to King Dhritarashtra. He was blessed with the divine vision to see events at a distance and narrate them.

3. Kurus – Another name for Kauravas, the descendants of Kuru, the ancestor of the Kaurava and Pandava families.

4. Pandavas – The five sons of King Pandu, the cousins and rivals of the Kauravas.

5. Kurukshetra – The battlefield where the war of Mahabharata was fought.

6. Dronacharya – The royal guru to the Kauravas and Pandavas, and a master of advanced military arts.

7. Dhristadyumna – Son of King Drupada, born to kill Dronacharya.

8. Yuyudhana – Also known as Satyaki, a warrior on the Pandava side.

9. Virata – The king of the Matsya Kingdom and an ally of the Pandavas.

10. Dhristaketu – Son of King Sisupala, the ruler of the Chedi kingdom, and an ally of the Pandavas.

11. Chekitana – A warrior from the Vrishni dynasty who fought for the Pandavas.

12. Kasirajah – The king of Kashi, an ally of the Pandavas.

13. Kuntibhoja – A king and the foster father of Kunti, mother of the Pandavas.

14. Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas – Warriors from the Panchala kingdom who fought for the Pandavas.

15. Abhimanyu – Son of Arjuna and Subhadra, a valiant warrior.

16. Bhishma – The grandsire of the Kauravas and Pandavas, known for his vow of celibacy and his role as the commander of the Kaurava forces.

17. Karna – The eldest son of Kunti, who fought for the Kauravas due to his loyalty to Duryodhana.

18. Kripa – The royal teacher of the Kuru princes and a warrior on the Kaurava side.

19. Aswathama – Son of Dronacharya and a warrior on the Kaurava side.

20. Vikarna – One of the Kauravas and a warrior in the battle.

21. Saumadatti – The son of Somadatta, also known as Bhurishrava, a warrior on the Kaurava side.

22. Panchajanya – The conch shell of Lord Krishna.

23. Yudhisthira – The eldest of the Pandava brothers and a central character in the Mahabharata.

24. King of Kasi – An ally of the Pandavas.

25. Dhristadyumna – The commander of the Pandava forces and the brother of Draupadi.