1.10

Sanskrit Verse (Bhagavad Gita 1.10):

अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् | पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् || 1.10 ||

Transliteration:

Aparyāptaṁ tadasmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam |

Paryāptaṁ tvidameteṣāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣitam || 1.10 ||

Literal Translation:

Drona said:

"Our strength is insufficient, as it is protected by Bhishma, but the strength of these people is sufficient, as it is protected by Bhima."

Samkhya Interpretation:

Aparyāptaṁ (अपर्याप्तं): "Insufficient," here it refers to the limitations of the mental faculties or tendencies that are shaped by attachment, emotions, or ego. In the Samkhya system, the mind, when influenced by the ego (Bhishma in this context), may seem powerful, but it is ultimately limited because it is still bound by the material world (Prakriti).

Tadasmākaṁ (तदस्माकं): "Our (strength)," referring to the mind or mental tendencies that are influenced by external attachments, particularly Bhishma-a symbol of the elder statesman or authority figure who represents worldly wisdom shaped by past experiences (samskaras). The mind's tendencies shaped by these attachments might seem strong but are ultimately inadequate for true liberation because they are bound to Prakriti.

Balaṁ (बलं): "Strength," representing the power or influence of a mental tendency or force. In Samkhya, this strength can be the power of the ego or attachment which, although strong, is still a force bound to the material world, leading the person to make decisions that may not lead to spiritual liberation.

Bhīṣmābhirakṣitam (भीष्माभिरक्षितम्): "Protected by Bhishma," symbolizing the protection or reinforcement of the mental tendencies that are influenced by past experiences and worldly wisdom. In the Samkhya view, these tendencies are guided by the influence of samskaras (mental impressions), which continually shape thoughts and actions. While these tendencies can appear strong, they are not aligned with the pursuit of true liberation (Moksha) but rather lead one to stay attached to material desires.

Paryāptaṁ (पर्याप्तं): "Sufficient," here, it refers to the strength or power of the mental tendencies that are aligned with higher goals. In Samkhya, this would signify the mental faculties that are aligned with spiritual wisdom-those tendencies that move toward the true self (Purusha), untouched by the ego or worldly distractions. Such tendencies are sufficient for achieving true liberation, as they are aligned with spiritual progress and detachment.

Tvidameteṣāṁ (त्विदमेतेषां): "This (strength) of these people," pointing to the mental tendencies that are not hindered by attachments or past experiences. These tendencies are guided by higher wisdom and detachment, which are not bound by samskaras but are focused on spiritual growth and the pursuit of true knowledge.

Balaṁ (बलं): "Strength," again referring to the power of these higher tendencies, which are aligned with the pursuit of liberation (Moksha). In the Samkhya system, these are the mental tendencies that allow one to transcend ego and material desires, helping the individual recognize their true self (Purusha).

Bhīmābhirakṣitam (भीमाभिरक्षितम्): "Protected by Bhima," signifying the protection or reinforcement of mental faculties that are aligned with spiritual strength. Bhima here symbolizes the spiritual warrior or the mental fortitude required to combat the ego and attachments. In Samkhya, it indicates the mental power that helps to overcome worldly influences and focus on spiritual truth. This power is capable of transcending the limitations imposed by samskaras and ego.

Samkhya Perspective:

In the Samkhya system, this verse symbolizes the mental conflict between worldly attachments and the higher spiritual faculties.

The first part, where Bhishma is protecting the Kaurava forces, represents the mental tendencies that are still rooted in the material world and ego. These tendencies are strong but are ultimately insufficient for achieving spiritual liberation because they are influenced by samskaras (mental impressions from past experiences), which bind the individual to the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

The second part, where Bhima protects the Pandava forces, symbolizes the mental faculties that are aligned with higher wisdom and spiritual growth. These faculties are sufficient for transcending the ego and realizing the true self (Purusha). The spiritual strength represented by Bhima is capable of overcoming the limitations of the material world and guiding the individual toward liberation (Moksha).

Thus, the verse illustrates the mental conflict between attachment (Bhishma) and detachment (Bhima). The mental tendencies governed by samskaras (worldly attachments) may appear strong, but they are insufficient for true progress. In contrast, the mental faculties aligned with spiritual wisdom are sufficient to guide one toward the liberation of the true self.