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Writer's pictureShalini Rao

The Essence of Chapter 1- Arjuna's Dilemma


No knowledge is to be found without seeking, no tranquility without travail, no happiness except through tribulation. At one point or another, every seeker has to pass through a conflict of duties, a heart-churning.





Each one of us goes through self-doubt and conflict of duties at some point in our lives, but it is what action one takes and how one’s behavior is when faced with such a situation, that matters.


This chapter is called Arjuna Vishada Yoga, although both Arjuna and Duryodhana have self-doubts. Upon seeing the Pandava Army and doubting his own army’s capabilities, Duryodhana becomes angry and arrogant in his behavior. He talks to his teacher with an arrogant tone and names the warriors in the opposite army at length, showing his negative state of mind. On the other hand, Arjuna becomes more compassionate and expands his vision thinking of the ill-consequence of fighting a war on the society at large. He is also honest in acknowledging his weakness and surrenders himself to Krishna for advice. So, in a way, his self-doubt and inner conflict led him to a path of Self-Realization. This is the very reason, the chapter is called Arjuna Vishada Yoga.. the “ Vishada” or conflict in Arjuna led him to “Yoga” or the alignment with one’s own divinity. Arjuna is the very symbol of devotion as a wayfarer on the path of spiritual quest.


Dhritarashtra is the king of Hastinapur, whose two branches are about to fight on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Bhagwad Gita begins with his question to Sanjaya, his courtier who is blessed with the ability to see the war sitting in the palace. His only question in the entire Gita reflects his pure selfishness. He refers only to his sons, the Kauravas, like mine (“Mama”) and his nephews simply as the Pandavas, Thus, he expresses his exclusion of the Pandavas from his own family and considers them intruders. He does not realize that this exclusion is the root of the “Adharma” or unrighteousness, which is the Kuru clan's undoing. Thus, Dhritarashtra is not only physically blind but his mind is blinded with attachment for his son leading to the absence of empathy.


Sanjaya describes Duryodhana’s reaction upon seeing the Pandava Army’s formation. He addresses his teacher Dronacharya - a “Dwijottama” meaning a Brahmin with the sacred thread around his chest and talks to him in an arrogant tone. This reveals his negative state of mind.


Sanjaya then describes Arjuna’s entry into the battlefield. Arjuna looks confident, bow in hand, on his chariot drawn by four white horses. Upon being stationed between the two armies by his charioteer, Krishna, he sees on either side, his own family and friends. He starts to feel despair and grief thinking how could he kill them for a piece of land, what impact would it have on society and its future. He is questioning the morality of his actions. His vision expands and is more empathetic. Thus, he becomes a worthy recipient of the Gita by Krishna and leads him on this path of Self-Realization.


The message I take away from this chapter is that when we face self-doubt or inner conflict, we can choose to expand our vision and be open to a different perspective, and do what is our rightful duty with a pure heart.


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