Verse (Bhagavad Gita 1.28)
Sanskrit:
अर्जुन उवाच
दृष्ट्वेमं स्वजनं कृष्ण युयुत्सुं समुपस्थितम्।
सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि मुखं च परिशुष्यति ॥ २८ ॥
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Literal Translation:
"Arjuna said: O Krishna, seeing my own kinsmen gathered here, eager for battle, my limbs tremble, and my mouth dries up."
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Samkhya Perspective and Interpretation:
This verse highlights the psychological breakdown of Arjuna as he faces an existential crisis. His ego (Ahamkara), conditioned by attachments (Samskaras), begins resisting transformation. The duality (Dvaita) between personal attachment and higher duty leads to an internal struggle, manifesting physically and mentally.
Word-by-Word Breakdown (Samkhya Perspective):
अर्जुन उवाच (Arjuna Uvāca – Arjuna said)
→ Arjuna, representing the seeker trapped in self-illusion (Avidya), begins to voice his internal turmoil.
→ His mind (Manas), once determined for battle, is now clouded by attachment (Moha).
दृष्ट्वा इमं स्वजनं (Dṛṣṭvā Imaṁ Svajanaṁ – Seeing these kinsmen before me)
→ Dṛṣṭvā (Seeing) = The power of perception (Drishti) is now dominated by emotional filters.
→ Svajana (My own people) = The concept of "mine" (Mamta) strengthens ego-identification.
→ Arjuna is viewing reality not as it is but through his conditioned perspective.
कृष्ण (Kṛṣṇa – O Krishna)
→ Krishna represents the Buddhi (discriminative intellect), which can guide the mind toward truth.
→ Arjuna calling Krishna shows his subconscious seeking for clarity.
युयुत्सुं समुपस्थितम् (Yuyutsuṁ Samupasthitam – Eager for battle, assembled here)
→ Yuyutsu (Desiring to fight) = Symbolizes the conflict within—between ego's desires and soul's higher calling.
→ Samupasthitam (Gathered before him) = Represents Arjuna's inner tendencies (gunas) confronting him.
सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि (Sīdanti Mama Gātrāṇi – My limbs weaken, collapse)
→ Gātrāṇi (Limbs) = Represents action (Karma) and willpower (Icchā Shakti).
→ The weakening of limbs signifies the ego's fear of dissolving its attachments.
मुखं च परिशुष्यति (Mukhaṁ Cha Pariśuṣyati – My mouth dries up)
→ Mukha (Mouth) = Symbolizes expression and speech (Vak Shakti).
→ Pariśuṣyati (Dries up) = His inability to express his emotions clearly shows internal confusion.
→ The mind, facing a contradiction between attachment and wisdom, creates physical symptoms of anxiety.
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Final Samkhya-based Translation:
"As the ego (Ahamkara) faces the reality of its conditioned attachments (Samskaras), the mind (Manas) trembles, resisting the dissolution of its self-identity. Seeing the deeply ingrained ties (Svajana) confronting him, the seeker (Arjuna) feels his willpower weaken, and his clarity of speech fades. Attachment (Moha) tightens its grip, paralyzing his ability to act in alignment with higher wisdom (Jnana)."
This verse illustrates the inner war between emotional attachment (Moha) and the higher path (Dharma). Arjuna's physical symptoms reflect his inner turmoil—as wisdom begins to challenge deeply held beliefs, the ego resists, manifesting fear and confusion.