1.9
Sanskrit Verse (Bhagavad Gita 1.9):
अन्ये च बहवः शूरा मदर्थे त्यक्तजीविताः | नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः || 1.9 ||
Transliteration:
Anye ca bahavaḥ śūrā mad-arthae tyakta-jīvitāḥ |
Nāna-śastra-praharaṇāḥ sarve yuddha-viśāradāḥ || 1.9 ||
Literal Translation:
Drona said:
"Many others, too, are great warriors, who have given up their lives for my sake, wielding various weapons and are all skilled in warfare."
Samkhya Interpretation:
Anye ca (अन्ये च): "Others also," referring to the mental tendencies or samskaras that are distinct or different from the primary tendencies represented by figures like Bhishma or Karna. In Samkhya, this represents the lesser tendencies that still hold power over the mind, though not as prominent or rigid as the main attachments (such as ego or self-image).
Bahavaḥ (बहवः): "Many" or "a large number," representing the varied nature of mental tendencies and cognitive patterns. In Samkhya, this highlights the diverse influences or forces that direct our actions, thoughts, and perceptions. The mind is filled with multiple tendencies, each vying for dominance, leading to a sense of internal conflict and battle.
Śūrā (शूरा): "Heroes" or "brave warriors," symbolizing the stronger mental faculties—those that seem heroic because they drive the mind to act in powerful, determined ways. However, these heroic qualities may not necessarily lead to liberation. In Samkhya, the mind is often drawn to strength, bravery, and outward action, but these same qualities can be tied to the ego and material pursuits, thereby keeping the individual bound in the cycle of attachment.
Mad-artha (मदर्थे): "For my sake," implying that these warriors act out of attachment to something outside the true self (Purusha). In Samkhya, this suggests that the mind often operates out of the desire for external validation or attachment to worldly goals, rather than true spiritual realization. These tendencies are deeply embedded in the samskaras that drive people to sacrifice for something greater, often driven by ego or pride.
Tyakta-jīvitāḥ (त्यक्तजीविताः): "Having renounced their lives," symbolizing the tendency to sacrifice for the sake of attachment or external duty. In Samkhya, this represents the attachment to the world of Prakriti (material existence) that sometimes leads individuals to act in ways that they believe are righteous or necessary, but ultimately are rooted in the ego rather than true spiritual wisdom.
Nāna-śastra-praharaṇāḥ (नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः): "Wielding various weapons," referring to the many tools or mental faculties that the mind uses to fight its battles. In Samkhya, this signifies the varied approaches the mind takes to deal with challenges—whether they are anger, greed, pride, or even more refined tactics like rationalization or intellect. These weapons can be used for both positive and negative actions, depending on how the mind aligns with or resists spiritual wisdom.
Sarve (सर्वे): "All," suggesting the comprehensiveness of the mental faculties involved. It emphasizes that every mental tendency, no matter how small or large, plays a role in shaping the individual's experience and actions. In Samkhya, it reflects the all-encompassing nature of Prakriti, where every aspect of the mind (manas) and intellect (buddhi) has a part to play in either maintaining attachment to the material world or facilitating liberation.
Yuddha-viśāradāḥ (युद्धविशारदाः): "Skilled in warfare," indicating mental mastery or expertise in engaging in the internal battle. In Samkhya, this refers to the mental mastery or the ability of these tendencies to control and direct the mind in various ways. While these tendencies might be skilled at influencing actions, they are still part of the illusory world of Prakriti, where true mastery lies in transcending these attachments and recognizing the true self (Purusha).
Samkhya Perspective:
In the Samkhya system, this verse illustrates the multitude of mental tendencies that influence the individual, just as warriors in the battle of Kurukshetra. These tendencies, symbolized by the great warriors, represent mental patterns, emotional attachments, and intellectual faculties that are at war within the individual.
Each of these warriors (mental tendencies) is tied to strong samskaras, which are attachments to desires, passions, and the material world. The sacrifices (giving up lives) in this verse suggest the sacrifice of mental peace and clarity for the sake of ego-driven goals or worldly attachments. This mirrors the mind's attachment to its various faculties and mental patterns, which bind it to the material world (Prakriti).
The weapons mentioned here represent the tools the mind uses to engage with the world—whether it's intellect, emotion, desire, or action—and these tools can either be used for higher goals (spiritual growth) or for worldly pursuits. The mind often uses these weapons skillfully, but as long as they are ego-driven, they continue to bind the individual to the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).
Thus, the verse points to the innate conflict within the mind and the mental mastery that is required to overcome the ego's influence. The battle described here is not just a physical one, but an internal struggle between the higher self (Purusha) and the lower tendencies of Prakriti. The key to victory is transcendence of these mental attachments and a return to the true nature of the self.
In summary, Samkhya teaches that the mind is full of competing tendencies (the warriors), and it is through awareness and detachment that one can ultimately rise above these tendencies and recognize the true self.