Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Sanskrit Transliteration:

dhṛitarāśhtra uvācha dharma-kṣhetre kuru-kṣhetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāśhchaiva kimakurvata sañjaya

Translation:

Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjaya, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do after gathering on the holy field of Kurukshetra, desiring to fight?

Commentary:

The blind king Dhritarashtra's question reveals his anxiety. By referring to Kurukshetra as "dharma-kshetra" (the field of righteousness), he inadvertently acknowledges that this sacred land might influence his sons toward virtue, potentially preventing them from their adharmic actions.

Learning:

Our environment shapes our actions. Dhritarashtra feared that a sacred place might transform his sons' intentions. Choose your environment wisely—surround yourself with influences that elevate your character, not diminish it.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

sañjaya uvācha dṛiṣhṭvā tu pāṇḍavānīkaṁ vyūḍhaṁ duryodhanastadā āchāryamupasaṅgamya rājā vachanamabravīt

Translation:

Sanjaya said: O King, after seeing the army of the Pandavas arrayed in military formation, King Duryodhana approached his teacher Dronacharya and spoke these words.

Commentary:

Duryodhana, feeling threatened by the organized Pandava army, seeks reassurance from his teacher Drona. His approach reveals his insecurity despite commanding a larger force.

Learning:

True confidence doesn't come from superior resources alone. Duryodhana had the larger army yet felt insecure. Inner strength matters more than external advantages. Don't let fear drive you to seek constant validation.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

paśhyaitāṁ pāṇḍuputrāṇāmāchārya mahatīṁ chamūm vyūḍhāṁ drupadaputreṇa tava śhiṣhyeṇa dhīmatā

Translation:

Behold, O Teacher, this mighty army of the sons of Pandu, arrayed by your wise disciple, the son of Drupada.

Commentary:

Duryodhana tactfully reminds Drona that Dhrishtadyumna, who leads the Pandava army, was actually Drona's student. This is a subtle provocation meant to stir Drona's pride and commitment to their cause.

Learning:

Manipulation through flattery and provocation is a weak leadership strategy. Duryodhana tries to motivate through guilt and pride rather than inspiring through vision. True leaders unite people through shared purpose, not by exploiting emotions.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

atra śhūrā maheṣhvāsā bhīmārjunasamā yudhi yuyudhāno virāṭaśhcha drupadaśhcha mahārathaḥ

Translation:

Here are heroes and mighty archers equal in battle to Bhima and Arjuna—Yuyudhana, Virata, and Drupada, all great warriors.

Commentary:

Duryodhana begins listing the formidable warriors on the Pandava side, comparing them to Bhima and Arjuna, revealing his fear of their prowess.

Learning:

Focusing obsessively on competitors' strengths breeds anxiety. Duryodhana's detailed analysis of enemy capabilities reflects his fear-based mindset. Acknowledge competition, but focus energy on your own excellence rather than others' abilities.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

dhṛiṣhṭaketuśhchekitānaḥ kāśhirājaśhcha vīryavān purujit kuntibhojaśhcha śhaibyaśhcha narapuṅgavaḥ

Translation:

Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, the valiant king of Kashi, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya—all are great warriors.

Commentary:

The enumeration continues, highlighting the strength of the Pandava alliance. Each name represents a powerful kingdom allied with the Pandavas.

Learning:

Righteousness attracts allies. The Pandavas, despite being exiled and wronged, built a coalition of powerful supporters. When you stand for what is right, others naturally align with your cause.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

yudhāmanyuśhcha vikrānta uttamaujāśhcha vīryavān saubhadro draupadeyāśhcha sarva eva mahārathāḥ

Translation:

The courageous Yudhamanyu, the valiant Uttamaujas, the son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu), and the sons of Draupadi—all are mighty warriors.

Commentary:

Duryodhana's detailed accounting of enemy heroes betrays his anxiety. A confident commander would not dwell on the enemy's strengths.

Learning:

Where attention goes, energy flows. Duryodhana's fixation on enemy strengths drained his confidence. In any challenge, acknowledge obstacles but invest your mental energy in your own strategy and strengths.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

asmākaṁ tu viśhiṣhṭā ye tānnibodha dvijottama nāyakā mama sainyasya saṁjñārthaṁ tānbravīmi te

Translation:

O best of Brahmanas, now let me tell you about the distinguished commanders of our army. I name them for your information.

Commentary:

Duryodhana now turns to listing his own army's commanders, attempting to boost morale by highlighting his own forces' strength.

Learning:

Self-assurance shouldn't require external validation. Duryodhana needs to recite his strengths aloud to feel confident. True self-belief is quiet and doesn't need constant reinforcement through comparison.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

bhavānbhīṣhmaśhcha karṇaśhcha kṛipaśhcha samitiñjayaḥ aśhvatthāmā vikarṇaśhcha saumadattirjayadrathaḥ

Translation:

Yourself (Drona), Bhishma, Karna, Kripa who is ever victorious in battle, Ashvatthama, Vikarna, and Jayadratha, the son of Somadatta.

Commentary:

The Kaurava army boasts legendary warriors like Bhishma, the grandsire, and Drona himself. Yet Duryodhana's need to enumerate them suggests underlying doubt.

Learning:

Having talented people on your side doesn't guarantee success if the cause is unjust. Bhishma, Drona, and Karna were among the greatest warriors, yet they fought for the wrong side. Talent must serve righteous purpose.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

anye cha bahavaḥ śhūrā madarthe tyaktajīvitāḥ nānāśhastraḥpraharaṇāḥ sarve yuddhaviśhāradāḥ

Translation:

And many other heroes are prepared to lay down their lives for my sake. They are armed with various weapons and are all skilled in warfare.

Commentary:

Duryodhana emphasizes his warriors' loyalty and willingness to sacrifice, yet this very emphasis reveals his need for reassurance.

Learning:

Loyalty built on obligation or fear is fragile. Duryodhana's warriors were bound by duty, not devotion. The Pandavas' allies followed them by choice. Inspire genuine commitment through character, not coercion.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

aparyāptaṁ tadasmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣhmābhirakṣhitam paryāptaṁ tvidameteṣhāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣhitam

Translation:

Our army, protected by Bhishma, is unlimited, whereas the army of the Pandavas, protected by Bhima, is limited.

Commentary:

Duryodhana attempts to assert confidence by comparing the armies, but the very need for such comparison reveals his inner doubt about the outcome.

Learning:

Numbers don't determine outcomes; conviction does. History repeatedly shows smaller forces with stronger purpose defeating larger armies. Quality of commitment trumps quantity of resources.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

ayaneṣhu cha sarveṣhu yathābhāgamavasthitāḥ bhīṣhmamevābhirakṣhantu bhavantaḥ sarva eva hi

Translation:

Therefore, all of you must give full support to Grandsire Bhishma, standing at your respective positions in the army formation.

Commentary:

Duryodhana's command to protect Bhishma reveals his recognition that their success depends on this one patriarch, highlighting a strategic vulnerability.

Learning:

Over-reliance on a single person or factor creates vulnerability. Duryodhana's strategy depended entirely on Bhishma. Build systems and teams with distributed strength, not single points of failure.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

tasya sañjanayanharshaṁ kuruvṛiddhaḥ pitāmahaḥ siṁhanādaṁ vinadyochchaiḥ śhaṅkhaṁ dadhmau pratāpavān

Translation:

Then, to cheer Duryodhana, the mighty grandsire Bhishma, the oldest of the Kuru warriors, roared like a lion and blew his conch loudly.

Commentary:

Bhishma's lion-like roar and conch blast are meant to inspire confidence in the Kaurava army and reassure the anxious Duryodhana.

Learning:

Even great souls can be bound by misplaced loyalty. Bhishma, despite his wisdom, fought for the wrong cause due to his vow to serve the throne. Sometimes our commitments need re-examination against higher principles.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

tataḥ śhaṅkhāśhcha bheryaśhcha paṇavānakagomukāḥ sahasaivābhyahanyanta sa śhabdastumulo 'bhavat

Translation:

Then, conches, kettledrums, tabors, drums, and horns all suddenly blared forth, and the combined sound was tumultuous.

Commentary:

The cacophony of war instruments creates an atmosphere of imminent battle, setting the stage for the conflict to begin.

Learning:

Noise and spectacle can mask inner emptiness. The Kaurava army's tumultuous sounds were external show. True strength is often quiet; excessive display frequently compensates for inner weakness.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

tataḥ śhvetairhayairyukte mahati syandane sthitau mādhavaḥ pāṇḍavaśhchaiva divyau śhaṅkhau pradadhmatuḥ

Translation:

Then, seated in a magnificent chariot yoked with white horses, Madhava (Krishna) and the son of Pandu (Arjuna) blew their divine conches.

Commentary:

The scene shifts to the Pandava side. Krishna and Arjuna's chariot with white horses symbolizes purity and righteousness.

Learning:

Divine support comes to those aligned with dharma. Krishna chose to be Arjuna's charioteer—God serves those who serve righteousness. When your cause is just, unseen forces align in your favor.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

pāñchajanyaṁ hṛiṣhīkeśho devadattaṁ dhanañjayaḥ pauṇḍraṁ dadhmau mahāśhaṅkhaṁ bhīmakarmā vṛikodaraḥ

Translation:

Hrishikesha (Krishna) blew the Panchajanya, Dhananjaya (Arjuna) blew Devadatta, and Bhima of terrible deeds blew the great conch Paundra.

Commentary:

Each warrior's conch has a name and history. Krishna's Panchajanya was obtained from a demon. These divine instruments signify the spiritual dimension of the conflict.

Learning:

Your tools and symbols carry meaning. Each conch represented its owner's journey and character. The instruments we use should reflect our values and purpose, not just serve function.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

anantavijayaṁ rājā kuntīputro yudhiṣhṭhiraḥ nakulaḥ sahadevaśhcha sughoṣhamaṇipuṣhpakau

Translation:

King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, blew Anantavijaya; Nakula and Sahadeva blew Sughosha and Manipushpaka.

Commentary:

The five Pandava brothers each have their distinctive conches, representing their individual strengths united in common purpose.

Learning:

Unity with individuality creates strength. Each Pandava had a unique conch yet blew in harmony. In teams, honor individual gifts while maintaining unified purpose—diversity strengthens, not weakens, collective action.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

kāśhyaśhcha parameṣhvāsaḥ śhikhaṇḍī cha mahārathaḥ dhṛiṣhṭadyumno virāṭaśhcha sātyakiśhchāparājitaḥ

Translation:

The king of Kashi, the great archer Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, and the unconquerable Satyaki.

Commentary:

The allied kings and warriors of the Pandava coalition are named, each bringing their armies and expertise to the cause.

Learning:

Build coalitions around shared values. Each ally joined the Pandavas not for personal gain but for dharma. Sustainable partnerships form around principles, not just interests.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

drupado draupadeyāśhcha sarvaśhaḥ pṛithivīpate saubhadraśhcha mahābāhuḥ śhaṅkhāndadhmuḥ pṛithakpṛithak

Translation:

O King, Drupada, the sons of Draupadi, and the mighty-armed son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu) all blew their respective conches.

Commentary:

The enumeration of conch-blowers emphasizes the unity and strength of the Pandava alliance, each warrior announcing their presence.

Learning:

Each voice matters in collective effort. Every warrior, from kings to young Abhimanyu, blew their conch. In any endeavor, every contributor's participation adds to the whole—no role is insignificant.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

sa ghoṣho dhārtarāṣhṭrāṇāṁ hṛidayāni vyadārayat nabhaśhcha pṛithivīṁ chaiva tumulo 'bhyanunādayan

Translation:

That tumultuous sound pierced the hearts of Dhritarashtra's sons and made the sky and earth resound.

Commentary:

The psychological impact of the Pandava's unified response shakes the Kaurava army's confidence, fulfilling Duryodhana's fears.

Learning:

Unified conviction creates impact beyond numbers. The Pandava sound "pierced hearts"—not through volume alone, but through the conviction behind it. Authentic unity creates a force that shakes opponents more than mere numbers.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

atha vyavasthitāndṛiṣhṭvā dhārtarāṣhṭrān kapidhvajaḥ pravṛitte śhastrasampāte dhanurudyamya pāṇḍavaḥ

Translation:

Then, seeing the sons of Dhritarashtra arrayed and the clash of weapons about to begin, Arjuna, whose flag bore the emblem of Hanuman, took up his bow.

Commentary:

Arjuna prepares for battle. His flag bearing Hanuman symbolizes strength and devotion to dharma.

Learning:

Carry symbols that remind you of your higher purpose. Hanuman on Arjuna's flag represented devotion and strength. Keep visible reminders of your values and inspiration—they anchor you in moments of doubt.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

hṛiṣhīkeśhaṁ tadā vākyamidamāha mahīpate arjuna uvācha senayor ubhayormadhye rathaṁ sthāpaya me 'chyuta

Translation:

Arjuna said to Krishna: O Infallible One, please draw my chariot between the two armies.

Commentary:

Arjuna asks Krishna to position the chariot between both armies. This simple request sets the stage for his spiritual crisis.

Learning:

Sometimes we need to pause and truly see before acting. Arjuna wanted to observe before fighting. In life's major decisions, take time to fully understand the situation before committing to action.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

yāvadetānnirīkṣhe 'haṁ yoddhukāmānavasthitān kairmayā saha yoddhavyamasmin raṇasamudyame

Translation:

So that I may see those who stand here eager for battle and with whom I must fight in this great combat.

Commentary:

Arjuna wants to see his opponents before battle begins, unaware that this observation will trigger his moral crisis.

Learning:

Seeking clarity can lead to unexpected revelations. Arjuna's simple request to see resulted in a complete transformation of his understanding. Don't fear examination—even uncomfortable truths serve growth.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

sañjaya uvācha evamukto hṛiṣhīkeśho guḍākeśhena bhārata senayor ubhayormadhye sthāpayitvā rathottamam

Translation:

Sanjaya said: O descendant of Bharata, thus addressed by Arjuna, Krishna drew the magnificent chariot between both armies.

Commentary:

Krishna fulfills Arjuna's request, positioning the chariot where Arjuna can see all who are assembled for battle.

Learning:

A true guide helps you see reality, not what you want to see. Krishna positioned Arjuna for maximum clarity, knowing it would cause pain. Real mentors facilitate truth, not comfort.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

bhīṣhmadroṇapramukhataḥ sarveṣhāṁ cha mahīkṣhitām uvācha pārtha paśhyaitān samavetān kurūniti

Translation:

In front of Bhishma, Drona, and all the rulers of the world, Krishna said: O Partha, behold these Kurus assembled here.

Commentary:

Krishna positions the chariot strategically before the greatest warriors. His words "behold these Kurus" remind Arjuna that these are his own kinsmen.

Learning:

Truth must be faced, not avoided. Krishna made Arjuna confront the full reality of his situation. Growth requires facing uncomfortable truths rather than staying in comfortable ignorance.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

tatrāpaśhyatsthitān pārthaḥ pitṝīnatha pitāmahān āchāryān mātulān bhrātṝīn putrān pautrān sakhīṁstathā

Translation:

There Arjuna saw fathers, grandfathers, teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, and friends.

Commentary:

Arjuna begins to recognize individuals on both sides—family members, teachers, friends. The abstract "enemy" becomes painfully concrete.

Learning:

It's easy to oppose abstractions; facing individuals is harder. Arjuna could fight "enemies" but struggled to fight Uncle or Teacher. Before any conflict, remember you're dealing with human beings, not categories.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

śhvaśhurān suhṛidaśhchaiva senayor ubhayorapi tān samīkṣhya sa kaunteyaḥ sarvān bandhūnavasthitān

Translation:

He also saw fathers-in-law and well-wishers in both armies. Seeing all his kinsmen arrayed.

Commentary:

The bonds of relationship extend across both armies. This realization triggers Arjuna's profound distress.

Learning:

In any conflict, recognize the humanity on all sides. Arjuna saw relationships spanning both armies. Before taking any adversarial position, acknowledge the human connections that transcend divisions.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

kṛipayā parayāviṣhṭo viṣhīdannidamabravīt arjuna uvācha dṛiṣhṭvemaṁ svajanaṁ kṛiṣhṇa yuyutsuṁ samupasthitam

Translation:

Arjuna was overcome with deep compassion and spoke in grief: O Krishna, seeing my own kinsmen here eager to fight.

Commentary:

Compassion overwhelms Arjuna. The word "kripa" (compassion) initiates his moral dilemma—a warrior's duty conflicting with human feeling.

Learning:

Compassion is the beginning of wisdom. Arjuna's crisis began with compassion, not cowardice. When you feel deeply for others, even enemies, you're opening to higher understanding. Don't dismiss such feelings.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

sīdanti mama gātrāṇi mukhaṁ cha pariśhuṣhyati vepathuśhcha śharīre me romaharṣhaśhcha jāyate

Translation:

My limbs are failing, my mouth is drying up, my body trembles, and my hair stands on end.

Commentary:

Physical symptoms of Arjuna's psychological breakdown manifest. These are classic signs of acute anxiety and moral distress.

Learning:

The body reflects inner conflict. Arjuna's physical symptoms revealed his psychological state. Pay attention to bodily signals—they often indicate unresolved inner tensions that need addressing.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt tvakchaiva paridahyate na cha śhaknomyavasthātuṁ bhramatīva cha me manaḥ

Translation:

My bow Gandiva slips from my hand, my skin burns all over, I am unable to stand, and my mind is reeling.

Commentary:

The mighty Gandiva, Arjuna's legendary bow, slips from his grasp. The greatest archer cannot hold his weapon—physical mastery fails before moral confusion.

Learning:

Technical skill cannot substitute for moral clarity. Arjuna's supreme archery skill became useless when his purpose became unclear. Competence without conviction leads to paralysis.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

nimittāni cha paśhyāmi viparītāni keśhava na cha śhreyo 'nupaśhyāmi hatvā svajanamāhave

Translation:

O Keshava, I see adverse omens. I do not foresee any good from killing my own kinsmen in battle.

Commentary:

Arjuna interprets his distress as ill omens. He cannot envision any positive outcome from slaying his relatives.

Learning:

When you can't see a good outcome, pause and question. Arjuna's inability to envision positive results made him stop. If your planned action has no foreseeable good outcome, reconsider whether it's the right path.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

na kāṅkṣhe vijayaṁ kṛiṣhṇa na cha rājyaṁ sukhāni cha kiṁ no rājyena govinda kiṁ bhogair jīvitena vā

Translation:

O Krishna, I do not desire victory, kingdom, or pleasures. Of what use is kingdom to us, O Govinda, or enjoyments, or even life?

Commentary:

Arjuna renounces the very goals that warriors fight for. His values have suddenly shifted from worldly achievement to deeper meaning.

Learning:

Crisis can reveal what truly matters. When facing loss, Arjuna questioned whether victory, wealth, or pleasure were worth it. Challenges often clarify our real priorities—use them as opportunities for reflection.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

yeṣhāmarthe kāṅkṣhitaṁ no rājyaṁ bhogāḥ sukhāni cha ta ime 'vasthitā yuddhe prāṇāṁstyaktvā dhanāni cha

Translation:

Those for whose sake we desire kingdom, enjoyments, and pleasures—they stand here in battle, ready to give up their lives and wealth.

Commentary:

The irony strikes Arjuna: the very people for whom one would want wealth and power are the ones who must be killed to obtain it.

Learning:

Examine the true cost of your goals. Arjuna realized that achieving his goal meant destroying those he wanted to enjoy it with. Before pursuing any objective, honestly assess what you'll sacrifice to achieve it.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

āchāryāḥ pitaraḥ putrās tathaiva cha pitāmahāḥ mātulāḥ śhvaśhurāḥ pautrāḥ śhyālāḥ sambandhinas tathā

Translation:

Teachers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, maternal uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and other relatives.

Commentary:

Arjuna catalogs the relationships that span both armies. Every category of human bond is represented among those he must fight.

Learning:

Recognize the web of relationships in any decision. No action affects only yourself. Arjuna saw how his choices would ripple through generations and relationships. Consider the wider impact of your decisions.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

etān na hantumichChāmi ghnato 'pi madhusūdana api trailokya rājyasya hetoḥ kiṁ nu mahīkṛite

Translation:

O Madhusudana, I do not wish to kill them, even if they kill me, not even for the sovereignty of the three worlds, let alone this earth.

Commentary:

Arjuna's resolve not to fight extends beyond self-preservation. Even sovereignty over all three worlds cannot justify killing his kinsmen.

Learning:

Some things are worth more than any gain. Arjuna valued relationships above kingdoms. Identify what you won't sacrifice at any price—these are your true values. Know your non-negotiables.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

nihatya dhārtarāṣhṭrān naḥ kā prītiḥ syājjanārdana pāpamevāśhrayedasmān hatvaitānātatāyinaḥ

Translation:

O Janardana, what pleasure will we derive from killing the sons of Dhritarashtra? Sin alone will accrue to us by slaying these aggressors.

Commentary:

Arjuna questions the moral calculus. Even though the Kauravas are aggressors, killing them would bring only sin, not satisfaction.

Learning:

Victory over wrongdoers doesn't always bring peace. Even defeating aggressors can leave you burdened. Consider whether the means of achieving justice will themselves create new suffering.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

tasmān nārhā vayaṁ hantuṁ dhārtarāṣhṭrān svabāndhavān svajanaṁ hi kathaṁ hatvā sukhinaḥ syāma mādhava

Translation:

Therefore, we should not kill the sons of Dhritarashtra, our own relatives. O Madhava, how can we be happy by killing our own kinsmen?

Commentary:

The fundamental question emerges: Can happiness ever result from killing one's own family, regardless of justification?

Learning:

Happiness cannot be built on others' destruction. Arjuna intuitively understood that lasting fulfillment doesn't come from defeating loved ones. True success creates value; it doesn't merely redistribute through conquest.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

yadyapyete na paśhyanti lobhopahatachetasaḥ kulakṣhayakṛitaṁ doṣhaṁ mitradrohe cha pātakam

Translation:

Even if these people, with their intelligence clouded by greed, see no wrong in destroying their family or in treachery to friends.

Commentary:

Arjuna acknowledges that the Kauravas, blinded by greed, may not recognize their sins. But should he follow their blindness?

Learning:

Others' blindness doesn't excuse your own. The Kauravas couldn't see their wrongdoing, but that didn't make it right for Arjuna to follow. Maintain your own clarity regardless of others' confusion.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

kathaṁ na jñeyamasmābhiḥ pāpādasmān nivartitum kulakṣhayakṛitaṁ doṣhaṁ prapaśhyadbhir janārdana

Translation:

Why should we, who can clearly see the crime in destroying the family, not turn away from this sin, O Janardana?

Commentary:

If we can see clearly what they cannot, argues Arjuna, we have even greater responsibility to avoid the sin they commit unknowingly.

Learning:

Greater awareness brings greater responsibility. Those who see more clearly have a higher obligation to act rightly. Knowledge without corresponding action is hypocrisy.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

kulakṣhaye praṇaśhyanti kuladharmāḥ sanātanāḥ dharme naṣhṭe kulaṁ kṛitsnamadharmo 'bhibhavatyuta

Translation:

When a dynasty is destroyed, its eternal family traditions perish. When dharma is lost, the whole family is overcome by adharma.

Commentary:

Arjuna sees consequences beyond the battlefield. The destruction of a lineage means the loss of its cultural and spiritual heritage.

Learning:

Consider long-term consequences, not just immediate results. Arjuna thought beyond the battle to generational impact. Short-term wins that destroy long-term foundations are ultimately losses.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

adharmābhibhavāt kṛiṣhṇa praduṣhyanti kulastriyaḥ strīṣhu duṣhṭāsu vārṣhṇeya jāyate varṇasaṅkaraḥ

Translation:

O Krishna, when adharma prevails, the women of the family become corrupt. When women are corrupted, O descendant of Vrishni, there is confusion of social order.

Commentary:

Arjuna's concerns extend to social order. He fears that war's destruction will lead to moral decay across generations.

Learning:

Actions ripple through society in unexpected ways. War's destruction extends far beyond soldiers. Consider how your actions affect the broader community, especially the vulnerable.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

saṅkaro narakāyaiva kulaghnānāṁ kulasya cha patanti pitaro hyeṣhāṁ luptapiṇḍodakakriyāḥ

Translation:

Social confusion leads to hell for the destroyers of the family and for the family itself. Their ancestors fall, deprived of offerings of rice and water.

Commentary:

The consequences extend even to ancestors, who depend on living descendants for ritual offerings. War destroys this sacred continuity.

Learning:

We are part of a continuity larger than ourselves. Our actions affect not just ourselves but those who came before and will come after. Honor this chain of being in your choices.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

doṣhairetaiḥ kulaghnānāṁ varṇasaṅkarakārakaiḥ utsādyante jātidharmāḥ kuladharmāśhcha śhāśhvatāḥ

Translation:

By the misdeeds of those who destroy the family and create social disorder, the eternal traditions of caste and family are destroyed.

Commentary:

Arjuna fears the unraveling of the entire social fabric, not just immediate casualties but long-term civilizational damage.

Learning:

Preserve what is worth preserving while embracing necessary change. Arjuna valued tradition and continuity. While not all traditions deserve preservation, wholesale destruction loses accumulated wisdom.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

utsannakuladharmāṇāṁ manuṣhyāṇāṁ janārdana narake niyataṁ vāso bhavatītyanuśhuśhruma

Translation:

O Janardana, we have heard that those whose family traditions are destroyed dwell in hell for an indefinite period.

Commentary:

Arjuna invokes scriptural authority: tradition teaches that destroying family dharma leads to hellish consequences.

Learning:

Wisdom traditions exist for reasons, even when not immediately obvious. Arjuna respected accumulated teachings. Before dismissing traditional wisdom, understand why it arose—it often contains insights not immediately apparent.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

aho bata mahatpāpaṁ kartuṁ vyavasitā vayam yadrājyasukhalobhena hantuṁ svajanamudyatāḥ

Translation:

Alas! We have resolved to commit a great sin by preparing to slay our kinsmen out of greed for royal pleasure.

Commentary:

Arjuna condemns himself and his brothers. Their pursuit of kingdom seems now like mere greed justifying terrible sin.

Learning:

Question your own motivations ruthlessly. Arjuna examined whether his cause might be mere greed disguised as justice. Regularly audit your motivations—are you pursuing right or rationalizing desire?

Sanskrit Transliteration:

yadi māmapratīkāram aśhastraṁ śhastrapāṇayaḥ dhārtarāṣhṭrā raṇe hanyus tanme kṣhemataraṁ bhavet

Translation:

It would be better for me if the sons of Dhritarashtra, weapons in hand, were to kill me unarmed and unresisting in battle.

Commentary:

In his despair, Arjuna prefers death to participation in this war. He would rather die than kill his relatives.

Learning:

Despair can masquerade as wisdom. Arjuna's wish to die unarmed seems noble but was actually a form of escapism. Distinguish between genuine insight and the mind's attempts to avoid difficult duties.

Sanskrit Transliteration:

sañjaya uvācha evamuktvārjunaḥ saṅkhye rathopastha upāviśhat visṛijya saśharaṁ chāpaṁ śhokasaṁvignamānasaḥ

Translation:

Sanjaya said: Having spoken thus on the battlefield, Arjuna cast aside his bow and arrows and sat down on the chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief.

Commentary:

The chapter concludes with Arjuna's complete collapse. The greatest warrior sits defeated not by any enemy, but by his own moral anguish. This sets the stage for Krishna's teaching in the following chapters.

Learning:

Sometimes the breakdown precedes the breakthrough. Arjuna's collapse was necessary for Krishna's teaching to penetrate. When you hit bottom, it may be preparation for transformation. Don't rush past the crisis—let it teach you.