1.16-1.18
Verses (Bhagavad Gita 1.16-18)
Sanskrit:
अनन्तविजयं राजा कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः ।
नकुलः सहदेवश्च सुघोषमणिपुष्पकौ ॥ १६ ॥
काश्यश्च परमेष्वासः शिखण्डी च महारथः ।
धृष्टद्युम्नो विराटश्च सात्यकिश्चापराजितः ॥ १७ ॥
द्रुपदो द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्वशः पृथिवीपते ।
सौभद्रश्च महाबाहुः शङ्खान्दध्मुः पृथक्पृथक् ॥ १८ ॥
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Literal Translation:
1. (1.16) "King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, blew the conch named Anantavijaya. Nakula and Sahadeva blew their conches, Sughosha and Manipushpaka."
2. (1.17) "The great archer, the King of Kashi, Shikhandi the mighty warrior, Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, and the undefeated Satyaki also blew their conches."
3. (1.18) "Drupada, along with the sons of Draupadi, and the mighty-armed Abhimanyu, son of Subhadra, blew their conches separately, O King."
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Samkhya Perspective and Interpretation:
This passage symbolizes the alignment of various inner faculties within a seeker preparing for the internal battle between wisdom and ignorance. The blowing of conches represents the awakening of different aspects of the self, calling forth the latent spiritual potential.
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Samkhya-based Translation and Meaning:
1. (1.16) Yudhishthira (Dharma) and the Awakening of Inner Stability
Yudhishthira (King of Dharma) represents Sattva (purity and righteousness)—the state of balance in the mind.
His conch, Anantavijaya ("Endless Victory"), signifies the triumph of Dharma over Adharma, representing the unwavering clarity that righteousness brings.
Nakula and Sahadeva (Mind's Refinement and Discrimination)
Nakula represents purified emotions (Chitta).
Sahadeva represents sharp intellect (Viveka).
Their conches, Sughosha ("Pure Sound") and Manipushpaka ("Jewel-like Clarity"), represent mental clarity and refined perception—essential for self-realization.
2. (1.17) Warriors Representing Higher Aspirations
Kashi Raja (The King of Kashi, supreme archer) = One who is focused and has refined spiritual insight.
Shikhandi (Breaking Past Limitations) = Represents overcoming past karmic identities and attachments.
Dhrishtadyumna (Symbol of Courage and Initiative) = The bold resolve needed for transformation.
Virata (Fearlessness in Facing Truth) = The mind's courage to accept reality.
Satyaki (Unyielding Willpower) = Represents persistence in truth, never giving up on the spiritual path.
3. (1.18) The Final Gathering of Inner Strengths
Drupada (Wisdom Gained from Past Experience) = Represents mature wisdom that arises from struggles.
Draupadi's Sons (Manifestation of Dharma) = They represent actions in alignment with Dharma—the consequences of righteous living.
Abhimanyu (Fearless Spirit and Intuitive Knowledge) = The young warrior who enters the battlefield with boldness and instinctive wisdom represents the soul's courage in facing the unknown.
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Final Samkhya Translation:
"The unwavering force of Dharma (Yudhishthira) sounded the call of endless victory, signifying the stability of righteousness. The purified emotions (Nakula) and sharp intellect (Sahadeva) echoed with clarity, preparing for the battle within. Focused insight (Kashi Raja), transcendence beyond past identities (Shikhandi), courageous initiative (Dhrishtadyumna), fearless perception (Virata), and unwavering willpower (Satyaki) gathered as forces of transformation. The wisdom of experience (Drupada), the righteous outcomes of past actions (Draupadi's sons), and the fearless spirit of intuitive knowledge (Abhimanyu) all rose in unison, ready to engage in the battle for self-liberation."
These verses depict the internal alignment of faculties within a seeker, preparing the mind, intellect, and willpower for the great battle of self-realization.