Chapter 3:Arjuna Vishada Yoga(3)
VERSE 21:
"Arjuna said: O infallible one, please draw my chariot between the two armies so that I may see those present here, who desire to fight, and with whom I must contend in this great trial of arms."
Explanation:
Arjuna addresses Krishna (referred to as the infallible one) and requests him to position their chariot between the two armies. Arjuna seeks to observe the warriors assembled on both sides who are prepared to engage in battle. This request marks the beginning of Arjuna's conflict and hesitation about participating in the war.
Application in Daily Life:
In daily life, this verse highlights the importance of gaining clarity and understanding of the situation before making decisions. Arjuna's desire to survey the battlefield signifies the need to assess challenges and understand the perspectives of others before taking action, whether in personal relationships, professional decisions, or facing moral dilemmas.
VERSE 22:
"Let me see those who have come here to fight, wishing to please the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra in the battle."
Explanation:
Arjuna expresses his intention to identify and observe those warriors who have gathered to fight on the side of Duryodhana, the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra. Arjuna's request reflects his growing unease and conflict about the impending battle against his own kith and kin.
Application in Daily Life:
This verse encourages introspection and understanding of others' motivations and actions. In daily life, gaining insights into people's intentions and behaviors helps in making informed judgments and decisions, fostering empathy, and navigating conflicts or disagreements with greater understanding.
VERSE 23:
"Sanjaya said: O descendant of Bharata, having thus been addressed by Arjuna, Lord Krishna drew up the fine chariot in the midst of the armies of both parties."
Explanation:
Sanjaya, narrating the events to King Dhritarashtra, explains that upon Arjuna's request, Lord Krishna, the charioteer, skillfully positions their chariot in the center of both armies. This action allows Arjuna to clearly see all those assembled for battle.
Application in Daily Life:
This verse emphasizes the importance of gaining perspective and clarity in challenging situations. Just as Krishna positions the chariot to provide Arjuna with a clear view of the battlefield, in daily life, seeking a balanced and clear perspective helps in making informed decisions, resolving conflicts, and understanding different viewpoints.
VERSE 24:
"In front of Bhishma and Drona, and all the rulers of the earth, O Bharata, Lord Krishna said: O Arjuna, behold these assembled Kurus."
Explanation:
Krishna, stationed in the midst of both armies, instructs Arjuna to behold the assembled warriors, including prominent figures like Bhishma, Drona, and other rulers. Krishna's directive prepares Arjuna to confront the reality of facing beloved elders, teachers, and relatives on the battlefield.
Application in Daily Life:
This verse highlights the importance of facing challenges and responsibilities with awareness and readiness. In daily life, preparing oneself to confront difficult situations, whether personal dilemmas or professional challenges, with clarity and resolve is essential for making informed choices and navigating complexities effectively.
VERSE 25:
"Then Arjuna saw there, stationed in their respective positions, fathers, grandfathers, teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, friends, and also fathers-in-law and well-wishers."
Explanation:
Arjuna, upon Krishna's instruction, surveys the battlefield and sees his relatives, elders, mentors, friends, and well-wishers standing ready for battle on both sides. This sight deeply affects Arjuna as he recognizes the moral and emotional implications of fighting against his own kin.
Application in Daily Life:
This verse emphasizes the emotional and ethical dimensions of decision-making. In daily life, recognizing the impact of choices on relationships and moral values is crucial for making decisions aligned with personal integrity, ethical principles, and considerations of familial and social responsibilities.
VERSE 26:
"There Arjuna saw fathers, grandfathers, teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, friends, and also fathers-in-law and well-wishers."
Explanation:
This verse reiterates Arjuna's observation of his relatives, mentors, friends, and well-wishers present on both sides of the battlefield. The repetition underscores the profound impact of this sight on Arjuna's psyche and his growing inner conflict.
Application in Daily Life:
In daily life, this verse encourages reflection on the interconnectedness of relationships and the moral dilemmas that arise in challenging situations. Understanding the complexities of human relationships and their implications helps in making decisions that uphold values of compassion, empathy, and ethical integrity.
VERSE 27:
"The son of Kunti, Arjuna, seeing all these kinsmen arrayed, spoke thus sorrowfully, filled with deep compassion, and despairingly casting away his bow and arrows, he spoke the following words."
Explanation:
Arjuna, overwhelmed by seeing his relatives and loved ones prepared for battle, speaks sorrowfully and with compassion. He expresses deep despair and anguish, symbolized by his reluctance to fight, as he casts aside his bow and arrows.
Application in Daily Life:
This verse highlights the emotional challenges and moral dilemmas individuals may face in difficult circumstances. In daily life, encountering situations that test one's values and principles requires courage and introspection to navigate with compassion, wisdom, and ethical clarity.
VERSE 28:
"Arjuna said: O Krishna, seeing my own kinsmen standing arrayed, eager to fight, my limbs sink, and my mouth is parched up, my body quivers, and my hair stands on end."
Explanation:
Arjuna describes to Krishna his physical and emotional reactions upon seeing his relatives and loved ones ready to engage in battle. He experiences profound distress, including physical weakness, dry mouth, trembling limbs, and hair standing on end, illustrating the intensity of his inner turmoil.
Application in Daily Life:
This verse illustrates the psychological and physiological effects of stress and moral conflict. In daily life, recognizing and managing emotional responses to challenging situations helps in maintaining composure, making sound decisions, and navigating conflicts with clarity and empathy.
VERSE 29:
"Vishnu said: You grieve for those who are not worthy of grief, and yet you speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead."
Explanation:
Krishna, also known as Vishnu, responds to Arjuna's anguish by imparting wisdom. He acknowledges Arjuna's compassionate concern but reminds him that true wisdom lies in understanding the eternal nature of the soul. Wise individuals do not grieve for the living or the dead because the essence of life transcends physical existence.
Application in Daily Life:
This verse offers guidance on maintaining perspective and spiritual understanding in facing loss or difficult situations. In daily life, cultivating awareness of the impermanence of life and the eternal nature of the soul helps in coping with loss, fostering resilience, and finding solace amidst challenges.
VERSE 30:
"Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be."
Explanation:
Krishna continues to enlighten Arjuna by explaining the eternal nature of the soul. He asserts that neither he, Arjuna, nor any of the assembled kings existed in the past, present, or future, indicating the eternal continuity of the soul beyond physical birth and death.
Application in Daily Life:
This verse provides spiritual insight into the eternal nature of existence. In daily life, understanding the continuity of the soul fosters a deeper sense of purpose, resilience in facing challenges, and a broader perspective on life's transient nature, guiding one's actions with wisdom and spiritual awareness.