1. Arjuna's Dilemma

Arjun Viṣhād Yog

BG 1.10

Though our strength may be limited, it is protected by Grandsire Bhishma. Their strength, protected by Bhima, appears unlimited.

अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम्
पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम्

This is the first verse of the Bhagavad Gita where translations vary considerably, namely over the interpretation of paryāptaṁ and aparyāptaṁ. The term paryāptaṃ (पर्याप्तं), similar to the Pali word pariyattaṃ meaning "it is enough", is universally used as an expression of sufficiency in Sanskrit literature. Accordingly, its inverse aparyāptaṁ is an indication of insufficiency.

If this interpretation is to be taken literally, then Duryodhana is referring to his own army as insufficient, despite being numerically superior - in the Mahabharata epic, it is stated that the Kauravas have an 11:7 numerical advantage. He would also be referring to his opponent's army as sufficient, marshalled under his chief rival Bhima - a man who has vowed to exact revenge upon him in the upcoming battle for attempting to humiliate his wife Draupadi.

Bhima and Bhishma

In the Mahabharata, Bhishma exemplifies the highest standards of dharma, going so far as to take a vow of celibacy to fulfill his mother's wishes. However, when he is present for the disrobing of Draupadi, he does not object against the assault on a helpless prisoner as Vidura does - it is only the divine intervention of Krishna which puts an end to the shameful situation. It is also due to this event that Bhima takes a vow that "I will be Duryodhana's killer", and gives details as to how he will carry out the deed.

Bhishma later replies to a probe into his inaction on the matter, that "the course of Dharma is extremely subtle. Even the great intellectuals of this world are incapable of comprehending its course".

Analysis

While Duryodhana's observation of the opposing army began as arrogant and hyperbolic statements, this verse is the first comment with an edge of paranoia. His teacher Drona does not reply to any of Duryodhana’s statements at any point in the conversation. It is up to the reader to interpret whether his silence is out of resentment, disappointment or knowing the inevitable that his army was doomed to failure.

  • aparyāptaṁ — insufficient
    Several commentaries translate as "beyond sufficient", while others translate as "limited capability".

    • aparyāpta — incomplete, insufficient

  • tadasmākaṁ — that which is ours

    • tad — that

    • asmākam — ours

  • balaṁ — power

  • bhīṣhmābhirakṣhitam — protected by Bhishma

    • bhīṣhm — Bhishma

    • ābhi — excessive, repeated, above

    • rakṣhitam — protected, preserved

  • paryāptaṁ — enough, sufficient

    • pary — around

    • āptaṁ — obtained, acquired

  • tvidameteṣhāṁ — is theirs

    • tv — but

    • idam — this

    • eteṣhāṁ — there

  • balaṁ — power

  • bhīmābhirakṣhitam — protected by Bhima

    • bhīm — Bhima

    • ābhi — excessive, repeated, above

    • rakṣhitam — protected, preserved

...1.6

Know also of the qualified generals on our side, who I will now recount to you.

[7]

We have leaders like you, Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Vikarna, and Bhurishrava, who have many victories in battle.

[8]

There are also many heroic warriors prepared to die for my cause. They are equipped with various weapons and are skilled in the art of warfare.

[9]

Though our strength may be limited, it is protected by Grandsire Bhishma. Their strength, protected by Bhima, appears unlimited.

[10]

Therefore all of you, stationed firmly in your respective positions, should protect Bhishma above all.

[11]

1.12...

Similar verses

Chapter 1, Verse 10