1.7

Sanskrit Verse (Bhagavad Gita 1.7):

अस्माकं तु विशिष्टा ये तान्निबोध द्विजोत्तम | नायका मम सैन्यस्य संज्ञार्थ तान्ब्रवीमि ते || 1.7 ||

Transliteration:

Asmākaṃ tu viśiṣṭā ye tān nibodha dvijottama |

Nāyakā mama sainyasya sañjñārtha tān bravīmi te || 1.7 ||

Literal Translation:

Drona said:

"O best of the Brahmins, listen. Those who are the most distinguished in our army, I will now name them to you, so that you may understand."

Samkhya Interpretation:

Asmākaṃ (अस्माकं): Refers to the "we" or the "ours", symbolizing the individual's attachment to the material world (Prakriti) and the ego (Ahamkara). In the context of Samkhya, this points to the dual nature of the mind, identifying with the external world of objects, people, and circumstances.

Viśiṣṭā (विशिष्टा): This term means distinguished or special. In Samkhya, it represents the qualities of the mind that are outstanding or dominant in an individual's mental framework. These qualities could be based on past samskaras (mental impressions) or tendencies that lead a person to believe in their own uniqueness, strengthening their attachment to the world of Prakriti.

Dvijottama (द्विजोत्तम): The "best among Brahmins", Dvijottama, here is addressing someone of spiritual stature or intellectual capability. In Samkhya, this could represent the higher intellect or buddhi, which is capable of discerning truth from illusion, yet often still caught in the attachment to materiality (through Prakriti).

Nāyakā (नायका): The leaders or chiefs of the army. In Samkhya, this represents the dominant mental tendencies (samskaras) or dominant qualities of mind that lead one's thoughts and actions. These qualities are considered the primary influencers in shaping the mind's direction.

Mām (मम): The "my" or "mine" indicates the attachment to one's own beliefs and ego. It reinforces the notion of the mental identification with one's own creations (e.g., samskaras, desires, and judgments), which is a central aspect of the ego's attachment in Samkhya.

Sainyasya (सैन्यस्य): Refers to the army, symbolizing the collection of mental faculties or cognitive patterns that are in battle. The army can represent the varied tendencies and desires within the mind that fight for dominance in the individual's consciousness, which ultimately influences decisions and actions.

Sañjñārtha (संज्ञार्थ): Means for the purpose of naming or understanding. In Samkhya, this could suggest the process of categorizing or recognizing different tendencies and actions within the mind that contribute to the battle between the higher self (Purusha) and the lower self (Prakriti).

Tān (तान्): Refers to those or them—the mental tendencies or outstanding qualities that play significant roles in shaping an individual's consciousness. These may include deeply ingrained tendencies that are difficult to overcome without mental discipline.

Bravīmi (ब्रवीमि): Refers to speaking or declaring, which symbolizes the act of bringing the conscious mind's attention to certain mental faculties or aspects that are significant in the individual's mental landscape.

Samkhya Perspective:

In Samkhya, this verse suggests a recognition of the various dominant mental faculties and tendencies that are involved in the spiritual battle of life. Drona is pointing out to the best of the Brahmins (who represents higher intellect or discernment in Samkhya) the distinguished warriors in the army, who symbolize strong mental faculties that can either guide the mind toward truth or keep it entrenched in illusion.

The mental faculties or samskaras that are most dominant in an individual's life—such as pride, greed, attachment, anger, or passion—can be thought of as leaders in the battle of the mind. These tendencies constantly influence our choices, thoughts, and actions. Drona's mention of them here suggests the need for discernment to understand these tendencies and overcome the ego's grip.

The reference to the army in the Samkhya context highlights the battle between the self (Purusha) and Prakriti, where the mind's faculties (samskaras) are at war with each other. The outstanding warriors are not just physical warriors, but they symbolize mental tendencies that are particularly influential in an individual's life. Discerning these tendencies and understanding their role in the mind's battle is crucial for one to move past ego-based actions and align with higher wisdom (buddhi).

Thus, this verse is an invitation to observe and recognize the most influential mental tendencies, leading to the self-realization process where one gains clarity over what drives their thoughts and actions.