1.6

Sanskrit Verse (Bhagavad Gita 1.6):

युधामन्युश्च विक्रान्त उत्तमौजाश्च वीर्यवान् | सौभद्रो द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्व एव महारथाः || 1.6 ||

Transliteration:

Yudhāmanyuś ca vikrānta uttamaujāś ca vīryavān |

Saubhadro drāupadeyāś ca sarva eva mahārathāḥ || 1.6 ||

Literal Translation:

Drona said:

"Here also are Yudhāmanyu, the valiant, Uttamaujas, the mighty, Saubhadra (Abhimanyu), and the sons of Draupadi, all of them great chariot-warriors."

Samkhya Interpretation:

Yudhāmanyu (युधामन्यु): Represents mental valor and bravery in the battle for self-realization. This mental faculty is determined and courageous, and symbolizes the active engagement of the mind in spiritual practice, standing firm against distractions and ego-based influences.

Vikrānta (विक्रान्त): The word vikrānta means valiant or courageous. In the Samkhya system, this suggests an aspect of the mind that is willing to confront challenges fearlessly, transcending the limitations of the material world (Prakriti) to realize the true self (Purusha).

Uttamaujas (उत्तमौजाश्च): "Uttamaujā" refers to someone with great strength or energy. This symbolizes the powerful mental discipline and spiritual strength necessary to persist in the journey of self-realization. In Samkhya, spiritual energy is necessary to maintain focus and to endure the battle against the distractions of the ego.

Vīryavān (वीर्यवान्): Vīryavān means someone who is virile or full of courage and vitality. In Samkhya, this term reflects the vital energy of the mind, the force that helps an individual stay focused on the path of enlightenment despite challenges or hindrances.

Saubhadra (सौभद्र): Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra, is a figure of great bravery and determination. In Samkhya terms, this represents a mental quality of fearless action, one who is determined to achieve self-realization regardless of the adversities faced in the process.

Drāupadeyāś (द्रौपदेयाश्च): The sons of Draupadi, the Pandavas, represent the mental faculties that are closely aligned with the higher self (Purusha). These faculties, guided by wisdom and righteousness, seek to support the battle for spiritual awakening.

Mahārathāḥ (महारथाः): The term Mahārathāḥ refers to great warriors who are masters of mental battle. In Samkhya, these warriors symbolize the ultimate mental faculties that transcend the ego and material nature. These faculties are not just strong, but they have reached a state of mental mastery capable of defeating the distractions and attachments of Prakriti.

Samkhya Perspective:

In Samkhya, this verse highlights various mental faculties that are important in the spiritual battle for self-realization. The warriors mentioned here—Yudhāmanyu, Uttamaujas, Saubhadra, and the sons of Draupadi—represent strong qualities of the mind such as valor, strength, vital energy, and determination. They are all warriors of the mind who are engaged in the battle of consciousness to overcome the ego and material attachments (Prakriti).

Each of these warriors embodies different aspects of the mind's ability to persist in the struggle for enlightenment. For example, Yudhāmanyu represents mental bravery, willing to fight against distractions and illusions. Uttamaujas and Vīryavān symbolize the mental discipline and vitality required to remain on the path of self-realization, while Saubhadra (Abhimanyu) represents courage and fearlessness in the face of adversity.

Together, these warriors form a unified force that leads the mind toward self-realization, helping the individual transcend Prakriti and align with Purusha (the true self). They represent the collective mental faculties that are required to fight the ego and ultimately realize the higher consciousness.

Thus, in the Samkhya context, this verse emphasizes the strength, courage, and mental mastery required to transcend the influence of ego and achieve spiritual freedom.