Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 [Full] The Grief of Arjuna | Most Powerful Speech |

Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra As the opposing armies stand poised for battle, Arjuna, the mighty warrior, sees his intimate relatives, teachers and friends in both armies ready to fight and sacrifice their lives. Lamenting the Consequence Of War – Chapter one introduces the scene, the setting, the circumstances and the characters involved determining the reasons for the Bhagavad-Gita’s revelation.

The scene is the sacred plain of Kurukshetra. The setting is a battlefield. The circumstances is war. The main characters are the Supreme Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna, witnessed by four million soldiers led by their respective military commanders.

After naming the principal warriors on both sides, Arjunas growing dejection is described due to the fear of losing friends and relatives in the course of the impending war and the subsequent sins attached to such actions. Thus this chapter is entitled: Lamenting the Consequence of War.

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TITLE:- Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 [Full] The Grief of Arjuna | Most Powerful Speech |

If there is something special in the past, it is Lord Krishna and the Gita.

“In today’s age, we are all mere instruments. However, my endeavor is to illuminate the path through this timeless scripture—the Bhagavad Gita.

Much has been said and written about the Gita, making it a unique and essential guide. It holds answers to every question related to life, bestowed upon us by Lord Krishna.

Whether we grapple with doubts, troubles, or worries, the Gita addresses our dilemmas and crises. Its eighteen chapters encapsulate the essence of the Vedas and Upanishads.

Rather than viewing it as beyond comprehension, consider each chapter as a set of four verses. Imagine yourself as Arjuna—his fears, moments, and problems mirror our own. Lord Krishna provides solutions for every challenge.

Don’t limit Lord Krishna to Arjuna’s charioteer; recognize him as the charioteer of your life. By following his guidance, we can overcome any obstacle.

In our discussions, we’ll delve into practical truths and real-life problems. Join me on this journey through the Bhagavad Gita’s eighteen chapters.

We begin with Arjuna Vishada Yoga—the first chapter. Dhritarashtra seeks answers about the ongoing war, Duryodhana’s actions, and the Pandavas’ army. Arjuna’s distress and moral dilemma unfold. Let’s explore Arjuna Vishada Yoga together.” 

“Dhritarashtra, unable to see with his eyes but relying on his mind and intellect, understood that wherever Lord Krishna was present, righteousness prevailed. Despite his deep affection for his son, he recognized that choosing the path of peace wouldn’t make the impending war any easier.

Just as in our lives, every action carries consequences, so too did the fate of the nation hang in the balance. In this context, the ancient texts describe how Sanjay, blessed with divine vision, observed the Pandava army arrayed on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

He approached Duryodhana and conveyed what he saw to Dronacharya. Sanjay remained impartial, providing a running commentary based solely on his observations.

Through Sanjay’s divine vision, we heard the unfolding saga. He informed King Dhritarashtra that Duryodhana, upon seeing the formidable Pandava army, approached his teacher, Dronacharya.

Dhrishtadyumna, the intelligent disciple and commander of the Pandava forces, meticulously organized their great army. The formation they adopted was nearly impenetrable—entering it seemed impossible, and escaping once inside was equally unlikely.

As we face our own adversaries and challenges, we often perceive them as insurmountable. Fear grips us: What lies ahead? Can we emerge victorious? Duryodhana grappled with similar thoughts.” 

In three verses, Duryodhana names the great warriors of the Pandava army. Whenever there is a battle, you evaluate the enemy’s army and their warriors. Similarly, Duryodhana was doing the same. He tells Dronacharya about the great archers and warriors equal to Bhishma and Arjuna, like Yuyudhana, Virata, Drupada, and others.

This indicates that one should know everything about the enemy or problem. Hello friends, you should be aware of every aspect of the problem. Like Duryodhana, we must analyze everything about the problem.

Duryodhana then says, “O best of Brahmins, you have seen the warriors of the Pandava army. Now, let me tell you about the prominent ones on our side.” After knowing everything about the enemy’s army, it is time to think about your side. Friends, you need to assess your strengths and weaknesses, just as you thought about every aspect of the problem. Similarly, you should evaluate yourself.

Duryodhana continues, mentioning warriors like Bhishma, Karna, Kripacharya, Ashwatthama, Vikarna, and the son of Somadatta. Friends, just as we do risk assessments today, both armies were assessing their warriors and preparing for the upcoming battle. To conquer a challenge, you must understand it completely. When we face it, there should be no surprises. Whether it is a battle or a challenge, surprises can defeat you.

Duryodhana proudly says that there is no shortage of warriors ready to give up their lives for him. These brave warriors are equipped with various weapons and are experts in warfare. Seeing these warriors ready to fight and die at his command, Duryodhana feels pleased.

Similarly, when you face life’s challenges, you have your strength, courage, hard work, and companions. Just as Duryodhana’s warriors were ready to do anything for him, your support system can do the same for you.

Duryodhana further says that his army, protected by Bhishma, is invincible, while the enemy’s army, protected by Bhima, is not.

Duryodhana wants to say that Bhishma’s army can easily defeat Bhima’s army. Duryodhana is showing arrogance here, which you should never do, friends. Never, because if Duryodhana knew he could defeat the other army, why would he even fight the battle?

To win a war, you have to defeat the opponent. If, after seeing challenges and problems, we feel we will win, it can be confidence or self-confidence, but not arrogance, because arrogance is the beginning of your defeat.

Duryodhana concludes by stating that everyone should remain at their respective posts to protect Bhishma. This means that in the upcoming war, the most important thing is to protect what is crucial to you, just like Duryodhana appoints people to protect Bhishma. Protecting Bhishma meant protecting the most valuable asset, which should be safeguarded until victory is achieved.

A united announcement is made for the upcoming battle. The oldest and most eminent Bhishma blew his conch loudly, which made Duryodhana’s heart rejoice. To win a war, you need to create a favorable atmosphere for yourself and reassure yourself that you can win. Bhishma did this, and we should do the same.

The battle was terrifying, and it was the most dreadful war in history. After Bhishma blew his conch, drums, kettledrums, tabors, and trumpets blared simultaneously. Battles are never enjoyable, friends. So if a decision to fight has been made, you must accept everything that comes with it and decide how to face every challenge.

Now it was the turn of the Pandava army to blow their conches. Seated in a grand chariot yoked to white horses, Shri Krishna and Arjuna also blew their divine conches. Preparations for battle occur on both sides, and each side instills confidence in themselves and their army for victory. In today’s times, blowing conches for oneself can mean doing anything that motivates or encourages you.

Then, King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, blew his conch named Anantavijaya, and Nakula and Sahadeva blew their conches named Sughosha and Manipushpaka, respectively. Hello, friends. Everyone needs motivation. You saw that everyone was making their efforts to win the battle in their own ways.

Each conch had a different sound, its own distinct presence. Every warrior in the battle was marking their presence. The distinguished warriors like King Kashiraja, Maharathi Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, King Virata, Satyaki, King Drupada, and the five sons of Draupadi, along with Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra, blew their conches. Sanjay tells Dhritarashtra that, O King, everyone blew their conches from their side.

Friends, the Mahabharata war was such that every great warrior participated in it. How could anyone miss such a rare opportunity? The key point for us is that the true warrior is the one who is always ready for battle. Whether you acknowledge the battle or not, you must always be prepared. Hence, the warriors blew their conches to make everyone aware of their presence.

Before the battle, just as you try to intimidate the enemy by showing your strength, the same is happening here. Sanjay says that the horrific sound echoed through the earth, shattering the hearts of your warriors. When we roar and shout, it even frightens the biggest enemies.

This roar should be such that the enemy thinks about whom they are going to fight. Whether you go for an interview or meet someone, your presence and talent should be so impactful that the other person is impressed by your skills.

Arjuna was indeed excellent and disciplined. Seeing the Kauravas lined up for battle, Arjuna raised his bow and said to Lord Krishna, “O Achyuta, please place my chariot between the two armies.” Achyuta, meaning the unwavering one, is one of Krishna’s names, signifying one who never falls from his position and cannot be destroyed. Arjuna had chosen Krishna because he knew that having God himself on his side meant having righteousness (dharma) on his side, and whoever has dharma can never be defeated.

In today’s life, friends, this is the greatest wisdom. The battle can be of any kind—personal or business-related. By placing yourself in between, you can understand the situation better. Arjuna tells Krishna, “O Krishna, let my chariot stay here until I have examined those standing eager for battle, and with whom I must fight in this great conflict.” Similarly, friends, we should stand amidst our problems, observe them thoroughly, and only then make decisions.

Arjuna then identifies Duryodhana as the cause of the war, and he wants to see all the kings who have supported Duryodhana. Friends, it is not always necessary that your enemies are right. They might have adopted wrong means to drag you into a conflict.

As in Mahabharata, battles need to be fought, but only after you have thoroughly examined and understood your enemies. Therefore, Arjuna asks Krishna to place the chariot between the two armies.

Sanjay describes the scene to Dhritarashtra, saying that Krishna placed the chariot in front of Bhishma and Drona and all the rulers of the earth, and said, “O Partha, behold these Kurus assembled here.” Partha is another name for Arjuna, who is now on the verge of collapsing in doubt. We can all be Partha in times of crisis, and when we feel surrounded by problems, Krishna and his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita are not far away.

Arjuna saw in front of him his grandfathers, teachers, uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, and friends on both sides. The Mahabharata war was termed a righteous war, as it divided a large family into two opposing sides. Each person had to decide whom they would support in the battle.

Arjuna was overcome with compassion and sorrow, seeing his relatives standing on both sides. He told Krishna that he was feeling weak and that his limbs were failing, his mouth was drying up, and his body was trembling with goosebumps. Friends, we often face similar fears during crucial moments, such as exams or significant life events.

Arjuna further expressed his distress, saying that his Gandiva bow was slipping from his hands, and his skin was burning. He was unable to stand and his mind was reeling. Similarly, we might feel incapable during tough times, thinking we cannot accomplish our tasks.

Arjuna, in his despondency, saw omens of misfortune and said he saw no good in killing his own kinsmen in battle. He questioned what benefit there would be in such a victory.

Arjuna clarified his thoughts, stating that he did not desire victory, kingdom, or pleasures. “O Krishna, what use is a kingdom, or pleasures, or even life itself to us? Those for whose sake we desire these things are standing here ready to fight.”

Arjuna was ready to renounce everything in his despair, indicating that he was deeply affected by the prospect of fighting his loved ones. He was ready to abandon all worldly gains and happiness to avoid this battle.

He then pointed out the difficulty of fighting his own relatives, whom he cherished. He questioned the purpose of life and gains if it meant killing those he cared for.

Arjuna saw his teachers, uncles, grandfathers, brothers, sons, grandsons, and friends on both sides, recognizing them and expressing his sorrow to Krishna. This was the beginning of Arjuna’s moral dilemma, which led to the creation of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna provided guidance that has continued to inspire and lead people on the right path throughout history.

“Oh Madhusudana, even for the sovereignty of the three worlds, I do not wish to kill them, let alone for this earth. Friends, Arjuna doesn’t desire even the rule over the three worlds if it requires killing his loved ones. This shows that he doesn’t desire anything that requires him to harm his loved ones. Life often presents us with situations where we must let go of what we love the most for the greater good. Can we let go of what we cherish the most?

Arjuna says further, ‘O Janardana, what joy will we find in killing the sons of Dhritarashtra? By killing them, we will only incur sin.’ Killing one’s own kin brings nothing but sorrow and sin. The greed of the sons of Dhritarashtra has led to this fratricidal war, and never has greed benefitted anyone. One side must suffer, and the other must kill.

Arjuna then questions, ‘How can we be happy by killing our own relatives? This is why the Mahabharata is called a righteous war. In such a moral dilemma, what should you do? Arjuna asks how they can find happiness after killing their own kin and the sons of Dhritarashtra. Friends, whenever you face a situation where greed leads to conflict or division, think of Arjuna’s dilemma and see what the world’s greatest war achieved.

Arjuna tells Krishna, ‘O Madhava, by killing these sons of Dhritarashtra, how can we be happy? Killing our own kin will only bring sorrow and sin.’ He emphasizes that happiness cannot come from killing one’s own relatives. This is why the Mahabharata is called a righteous war, where such a moral dilemma arises.

Your enemy might be ready to commit any sin, but you understand that wrong and unjust actions should not be taken. Arjuna describes this dilemma, saying that the guilt and sin from killing our own kin will only bring sorrow. We must consider this sin and guilt before engaging in the battle.

The enemy might be wrong, but you understand better and must think wisely about engaging in the battle. But if you withdraw from the battle, it will be seen as your defeat. Are you ready for that, friends?

When a family is destroyed, everything is lost. Arjuna finds himself in this situation, saying that the eternal family traditions are destroyed when the family is destroyed, leading to a rise in unrighteousness. With the destruction of the family, sin and unrighteousness spread everywhere.

Arjuna points out that family destruction leads to the loss of values and traditions, resulting in widespread sin. Families connect us to our roots, values, and ideals. When they are destroyed, society falls into chaos. Friends, you can observe this in your surroundings; where family values are not respected, nothing else is respected, and society declines.

Arjuna says, ‘O Krishna, with the rise in unrighteousness, the women of the family become corrupt, and the intermingling of castes occurs.’ A family’s well-being depends on its women. A home is built by the women, and without them, there is no future. If women become corrupt, it has severe consequences. Arjuna tells Krishna that with the rise in sin, the women of the family become corrupt, leading to the mixing of castes.

‘The intermingling of castes leads to hell for the family and its destroyers. The ancestors are deprived of their offerings of rice and water and fall down.’ The intermingling of castes here means the disrespect of societal norms and the mixing of different castes leading to the birth of progeny without regard for these norms. This destroys everything.

Societal rules are made with great thought, and breaking them without understanding can lead to ruin. Arjuna explains that this intermingling leads to hell for the family and its destroyers, and the ancestors, deprived of their offerings, also fall.

Due to intermingling of castes, family and societal traditions are destroyed. Arjuna said that such intermingling leads to the destruction of eternal family traditions and societal norms. Where this intermingling occurs, unrighteousness spreads, as Arjuna mentioned. This results in the loss of duties and traditions, leading to disorder and lawlessness in society, where no one follows their duties, and everyone acts according to their own will.

For those whose family traditions are destroyed, they dwell in hell indefinitely, as we hear. This was believed during the time of the Mahabharata. Friends, it was thought that if someone violated their duties, they would reside in hell forever.

Therefore, protecting and respecting family traditions and names was considered extremely important. Those who do not respect traditions are thought to fall into sin. You can see such places around you where tradition is not respected, and those places fall into disorder.

Arjuna then blames himself, saying, ‘Though we know better, we are ready to commit a great sin driven by greed, prepared to kill our own kin for the sake of kingdom and pleasures.’ Friends, regardless of Duryodhana’s decisions, Arjuna and his army are wise. Should the wise be forgiven if they are ready for battle? Arjuna feels that they should not be forgiven.

He further says, ‘If the sons of Dhritarashtra, armed, kill me unarmed and unresisting on the battlefield, that would be better for me.’ Think about someone dear to you, someone you played with or grew up with. Would you be able to kill them? Arjuna believes it would be better to die at their hands than to kill them.

Sanjaya, narrating this great battle to Dhritarashtra, says, ‘Having spoken thus, Arjuna, his mind overwhelmed with sorrow, sat down on the chariot, setting aside his bow and arrows.’ Friends, this was the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, the Arjuna Vishada Yoga. This chapter highlighted Arjuna’s grief and doubt.

In the following chapters, Lord Krishna will address Arjuna’s doubts and questions. Friends, this was the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna Vishada Yoga, presented by Shailendra Bharti in simple and clear words. We’ll meet again. Until then, goodbye, and thank you. Jai Shri Krishna.

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READ OUT MORE ABOUT BHAGAVAD GITA CHAPTER 1 FROM GIVEN BELOW LINK,

https://thegita.net/chapter-1/

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