Disclaimer: All details are with regards to the book Bhagavad Gita As it is by his divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. However, the summary, views expressed and errors in the interpretation and understanding are the authors' own opinions. The goal of this write-up is to serve as class notes for the author in the upcoming exams.
Chapter 1: With 46 shlokas (in contrast to 47 in other versions), the first chapter "Arjuna's Vishada Yoga" is of intermediate length and sets the stage for the chapters that follow.
- Dhritrashtra (Shloka 1): 1 sholka
- Sanjaya (Shloka 2-20; 24-27; 46): 24 shlokas
- Arjuna (Shloka 21-23; 28-45): 21 sholkas
Brief Summary: In this chapter, the Kurukshetra battlefield is described by Sanjaya, (the counselor of king Dhritrashtra) in response to the request of the blind king Dhritrashtra. With the help of the special power given to Sanjaya by his guru Vyasa, he was able to envision the battlefield from Dhritrashtra's room. This chapter deals with the apprehensions of the Pandava prince Arjuna in waging a war against his cousins the Kauravas despite his proficiency as a warrior (being a Kshatriya). Sometimes we are also very indecisive and are not wanting to take up new challenges despite being skilled and capable. Our mind has a tendency to underestimate our abilities and comes up with numerous reasons for not performing a particular task. The mind tends to remain in its comfort zone. This chapter highlights this aspect of the human mind.
Salient observations:
- The warriors on the side of the Pandavas included Yuyudhana (i.e., Satyaki), Virata, Drupada (i.e., Yajnasena), Dhristaketu, Chekitana, and the King of Kashi, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, Saibya, Yudhamanyu, Uttamauja, sons of Draupadi and the son of Subhadra with Bhima as their General. (Shlokas 4-6)
- With Bhishma as their General, the Kauravas had great warriors like Drona, Karna, Kripa, Ashwathama, Vikarna, and son of Somadatta (i.e., Bhurishrava). (Shloka 8)
- The battle cry signifying the beginning of the war is characterized by the blowing of various musical instruments which was started by Bhishma. The description of conch shells blown by various warriors is given in detail with conch shell names of the 5 Pandava princes and Lord Krishna (Lord Krishna: Panchajanya; Arjuna: Devadatta; Bhima: Paundra; King Yudhisthira: Anantavijaya; Nakula: Sughosa; Sahadeva: Manipushaka). (Shlokas 12-19)
- In Shloka 12 it is mentioned that Bheeshma roared like a lion. In Shloka 14 it is described that Arjuna's chariots were drawn by white horses.
- Having seen the combatants in both the armies prince Arjuna refuses to fight and provides the following reasons for his refusal (this observation is inspired by writings of DiscoverSuperSoul):
D: Discontentment (inability to enjoy victory): Shlokas 32-35
I: Indecision: (confusion regarding the correct path): Sholkas from chapter 2
C: Compassion (attachment towards his own kinsmen): Shloka 31
E: End of the dynasty (and the consequences thereof): Shlokas 39-43
F: Fear of accruing sin (karmic consequences of sin): Shlokas 36-38
Favorite Shlokas:
Sholka 10:
aparyaptam tad asmakam balam bhismabhiraksitam
paryaptam tv idam etesam balam bhimabhiraksitam
Sholkas 28-29:
- Why are the conch shells described in such great detail? What is the significance of these sounds?
- Should one perform his duties diligently even if it is going to cause suffering for others?
Names of Arjuna and Krishna:
Arjuna:
- Gudakesha
- Partha
- Kaunteya
- Dhananjaya
- Kapi-dhvajah
Krishna:
- Hrishikesha
- Madhava
- Janardhana
- Varshneya
- Achyuta
- Keshava
- Madhusudhana
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