1. Arjuna's Dilemma

Arjun Viṣhād Yog

BG 1.9

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.

अन्ये च बहवः शूरा मदर्थे त्यक्तजीविताः
नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः

Duryodhana's vanity reaches its peak, and he asserts that the heroic warriors assembled on his side are prepared to die for his cause. In the Mahabharata chapter immediately following the final chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, his chief rival Yudhishthira approaches their common grandsire Bhishma to seek his blessings:

I salute you, invincible one. Grant us your permission to do battle with you, and give us your blessing.

In this way, the Pandava brothers would also seek the blessings of their teacher Dronacharya. Bhishma and Drona both respond in the same way:

If you had not come to me in this way before the battle, I would have cursed you for bringing about your defeat. Ask us for any gift that we may give you, and you shall have it. A man is the slave of wealth, but wealth is no man's slave. I have been bound by the Kauravas with their wealth.

Despite Bhishma and Drona's complete lack of dialogue in the Bhagavad Gita, their true intent is quite clear in the storyline before and after the Gita. Drona urges Duryodhana to make peace with his cousins, and Bhishma also attempts to prevent the outbreak of war and later makes a vow to not kill any of the Pandava brothers. After the war, while on his deathbed, Bhishma gives an extensive discourse on his interpretation of dharma to Yudhishthira, which is known as the Bhishma Yudhishthira Samvad.

  • anye — others

  • cha — also

  • bahavaḥ — many

  • śhūrā — mighty warrior, one who acts heroically

  • madarthe — for my sake

    • mad — my
      From mat (), meaning "mine" or "my".

      मत्

    • arthe — request, solicitation

  • tyaktajīvitāḥ — abandon life

    • tyakta — abandoned, resigned, deserted

    • jīvitāḥ — life

  • nānā-śhastra-praharaṇāḥ — equipped with various kinds of weapons

    • nānā — many

    • śhastra — weapons

    • praharaṇāḥ — missiles

  • sarve — all

  • yuddha-viśhāradāḥ — skilled in the art of warfare

    • yuddha — warfare, fighting

    • viśhāradāḥ — skillful, proficient in

...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 9