1.20

Verse (Bhagavad Gita 1.20)

Sanskrit:

अथ व्यवस्थितान्दृष्ट्वा धार्तराष्ट्रान्कपिध्वजः ।

प्रवृत्ते शस्त्रसम्पाते धनुरुद्यम्य पाण्डवः ।

हृषीकेशं तदा वाक्यमिदमाह महीपते ॥ २० ॥

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Literal Translation:

"Then, as the battle was about to begin and he saw the sons of Dhritarashtra arrayed in formation, Arjuna, whose banner bore Hanuman, lifted his bow and spoke these words to Hrishikesha, O King."

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Samkhya Perspective and Interpretation:

This verse marks the moment when self-awareness (Arjuna) directly confronts the forces of the conditioned ego (Kauravas) in preparation for the inner battle. Arjuna, bearing the symbol of Hanuman (spiritual strength and devotion), turns to Krishna (Hrishikesha – the inner guide) before engaging.

Word-by-Word Breakdown (Samkhya Perspective):

अथ व्यवस्थितान्दृष्ट्वा (Atha Vyavasthitān Dṛṣṭvā – Then, seeing them arrayed in formation)

→ Represents the moment of clarity when self-awareness fully perceives the depth of inner conditioning (samskaras).

धार्तराष्ट्रान् (Dhārtarāṣṭrān – The sons of Dhritarashtra)

→ The ego-driven tendencies that arise from attachment (Dhritarashtra).

कपिध्वजः (Kapidhvajaḥ – The one with the monkey banner)

→ Hanuman symbolizes unwavering spiritual strength and devotion.

→ Arjuna, representing self-awareness, carries the power of spiritual resolve.

प्रवृत्ते शस्त्रसम्पाते (Pravṛtte Śastra-Sampāte – As the weapons were about to clash)

→ The inner battle between ignorance (Avidya) and wisdom (Jnana) is about to unfold.

धनुरुद्यम्य पाण्डवः (Dhanur-Udyamya Pāṇḍavaḥ – The Pandava lifted his bow)

→ Lifting the bow = readiness for self-discipline and inner struggle.

→ Arjuna (self-awareness) prepares to confront his inner darkness.

हृषीकेशं तदा वाक्यमिदमाह (Hṛṣīkeśaṁ Tadā Vākyam Idam Āha – Then he spoke these words to Hrishikesha)

→ Hrishikesha (Krishna) represents the inner self or guiding intellect (Buddhi).

→ Arjuna seeks wisdom before engaging in the battle of transformation.

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Final Samkhya-based Translation:

"At the threshold of inner conflict, self-awareness (Arjuna) fully perceives the vast forces of conditioned tendencies (Kauravas) before him. Bearing the strength of spiritual resolve (symbolized by Hanuman), he prepares to face the battle of transformation. As the struggle between ignorance and wisdom begins, he turns to his higher intellect (Krishna) for guidance, seeking clarity before engaging in the war within."

This verse represents the moment of inner awakening, where self-awareness recognizes the full scope of its conditioning and prepares to dismantle it with the help of higher wisdom.