Chapter 1 Arjuna Vishaada Yoga

Question 1

1-1 Who is Dhritarashtra?/What does he represent?

First Words of the Bhagavad Gita

Dhṛtarāṣṭra says:
O Sañjaya, after they gathered on the holy field of Kurukṣetra, being eager for battle, what did my sons and the Pāṇḍavas do? (1)

Answer 1

Blind king, father of the Kaurava brothers
Represents the mind that wants to stay blind. Only interested in the battle when Bhishma (the ego) is threatened

“Dharmakshetra” “Kurukshetra”
Field of righteousness, Field of actions
The place where Dharma is fulfilled.
This battle happens in the human body - Field in which you’ve come to do your Dharma

Question 2

1-2 Who is Duryodhan?/What does he represent?

Who is Dronacharya?/What does he represent?

Sañjaya says:
O king! Duryodhana, seeing the Pāṇḍavas’ army in
military formation, approached his teacher, Droṇa, and
said these words: (2)

Answer 2

Son of Dhritarashtra, represents pride
Pride is born from the blind mind

Royal Guru on the Kauravas side, there to advise.
Represents attachment to the material (Greed)
Duryodhana poisons his mind to his advantage.

Question 3

1-3 What is the relationship between Dronacharya and Drupada? / What does Drupada represent?

Duryodhana’s Nervousness (Reminder to Dronacharya)

Pandavas with smaller army - deeper meaning

Duryodhana says:
O Master, behold this mighty army of the Pāṇḍavas, led by the son of Drupada, who is your intelligent disciple. (3)

Answer 3

Friends growing up, Drupada becomes a king, Dronacharya becomes a poor Brahmin.
Drupada represents faith and strength
Dronacharya eventually comes with Arjuna who beats Drupada - Dronacharya takes the kingdom.
Drupada then wants revenge, does a Yagna for a son to kill Dronacharya, gets a girl instead (Shikhandini).
Does another Yagna and gets a boy.

Duryodhana trying to get Dronacharya riled up with this reminder of the opposing Pandavas.
He is nervous about the well-organized Pandavas - insecurity of pride.

The Pandavas represent good qualities - well organized troops - Just a few good qualities enough to overcome all negative qualities.

Question 4

1-4,5,6 Who are the 5 Pandava brothers?

In that army are heroes and great archers like Bhīma and Arjuna; there are mighty warriors like Yuyudhāna, Virāṭa and Drupada. (4)

There is Dhṛṣṭaketu, Cekitāna, and the valiant king of
Kāśī, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Śaibyā, all of whom are the
best among men. (5)

There is the valiant Yudhāmanyu and the strong
Uttamaujas. There is also the son of Subhadrā, as well
as the sons of Draupadī. All of them are mighty chariotwarriors. (6)

Answer 4

Yudishtir, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakul, Sahadev

Question 5

1-7 Dronacharya sees Duryodhana’s tactics - deeper meaning

O best of brahmanas, let me now familiarize you with our principle warriors who are the commanders of my army. I shall name them to refresh your memory. (7)

Answer 5

Dronacharya knows Duryodhana trying to influence him - Pride is flattering Greed

Words fall flat when they are spoken with pride. They lose their meaning.

Question 6

1-8,9 Who is Bhishma? What does he represent?

Who is Karna? What does he represent?

Who is Kripacharya? What does he represent?

Duryodhana as Pride - effect on everyone

There is yourself, Bhīṣma and Karṇa, the victorious
Kṛpā, Aśvatthāmā, Vikarṇa and Jayadratha, the son of
Somadatta. (8)

And there are many other heroes who are determined
to give up their lives for my sake. They are all experts in weaponry and experienced in the art of warfare. (9)

Answer 6

Great uncle of the Pandavas and Kauravas. Represents the Ego. Most knowledgeable, has all good qualitied (virtue, compassion, tranquility, self-control, etc). These qualities blinded Bhishma, made it about himself.
A knowledgeable person can renounce knowledge in one second. He was attached to the throne of Hastinapur

Oldest son of Kunti. Represents the unsettled mind which always makes wrong decisions.
Krishna came and tried to settle him, didn’t work. Duryodhan able to flatter him and gets him. Karna stays loyal to his friend.

Dronacharya’s brother in law, he represents envy - always behind Dronacharya. He is one of the immortals still alive today.
“Kripa” means Grace. Found victory but used Grace for limited things i.e. victory

This quality is like a magnet, it attracts these evil qualities and other evil-minded kings also.

Question 7

1-10 Duryodhana says the Kauravas are more powerful than the Pandavas. Relationship between Pride and Humility

Who is Bhima? What does he represent?

This force of ours marshalled by Bhīṣma is immeasurable, while their strength controlled by Bhīma is limited. (10)

Answer 7

Durydhana points out that the Kauravas have more people led by Bhishma - this “pride leading ego” relationship makes a person think they’re great - more powerful.
Humility is the cure to this thinking. Breaking the link between pride and ego.

Bhima is one of the 5 Pandavas, Trustfulness and Strength - Duryodhana is not worried about him.

Question 8

1-11 Why does Duryodhana tell everyone to guard Bhishma above all else? What does Shikhandini represent?

All of you therefore should make every effort to guard
Bhīṣma, whilst stationed at your respective positions in
the army. (11)

Answer 8

The pride has to protect the ego at all costs.
Duryodhana knows Shikhandini is there (only one who can kill Bhishma).
Shikhandini represents knowledge of the self and of knowing and reaching God - if this arises, all other negative qualities disappear. Bhishma ends up willingly dying at her(his) hands

Question 9

1-12 Duryodhan wants Acknowledgement - Bhishma under his control. - Deeper meaning

How does the war metaphor of the BG apply to our own lives?

Sañjaya says:
Then, the valiant grandsire Bhīṣma, the most senior of the
Kuru clan, roaring like a lion, blew his conch to encourage
Duryodhana. (12)

Answer 9

Bhishma gives a loud battle cry, plays the game b/c he knows Duryodhana using him for his own self gain. This is the insecurity of pride

There’s this intensity on the spiritual path because when we consciously look inwardly, we perceive our negativity more strongly. Creates this friction inside of us, this churning that happens. One by one we uproot these negative qualities until only God’s love exists - This is true realization! - Duty of every human being is to shine God’s love.

Pride may appear strong by Love is stronger still

Question 10

1-13 Deeper meaning of the Conches and the Drums bellowing on both sides

Suddenly, conches and kettle drums, trumpets, tabors and horns erupted forth and the sound was terrific. (13)

Answer 10

This clambour arises to make them strong and clear! Shook all of creation - these sounds represent our inner sounds when we do our dharma - a declaration of “Yes! Victory of the self!”

Question 11

1-14 Deeper meaning of Krishna as charioteer of the 5 horses

Then Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna, stationed in their great
chariot drawn by white horses, blew their divine conches. (14)

Answer 11

5 horses represent the 5 senses, controlling the senses, God takes over.
When we show sincere interest in changing, the Lord gives strength, power, energy and faith. Controlling the mind is very difficult until you control your senses

Question 12

1-15,16,17,18,19 Deeper meaning of Pandavas sounding conches in unison in response to Kauravas

Śrī Kṛṣṇa blew His conch, Pāñcajanya, Arjuna blew his,
named Devadatta, and Bhīma, the performer of terrible
deeds, blew the great conch Pauṇḍra. (15)

King Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, blew his conch
Ananta-vijaya, and Nakula and Sahadeva blew their
conches Sughoṣa and Mani-puṣpaka. (16)

Then the supreme archer, king of Kāśī, and the mighty
warrior Śikhaṇḍī, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Virāṭa; and the
invincible Sātyaki, all blew their respective conches. (17)

King Drupada, the sons of Draupadī, and the strongarmed son of Subhadrā, all blew their various conches again and again. (18)

That tumultuous uproar, resounding through heaven and Earth, tore the hearts of Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons. (19)

Answer 12

This confirms that the war can begin - upholds the nature of Dharmakshetra (by doing this Dharma can happen!) - strikes fear in the Kauravas b/c deep down their souls knew it would be their end. - When you go on the spiritual path with full force, this power removes all negative things.
Just have confidence, have trust, concentrate on moving forward in your path, not on negativity

Question 13

1-20 What is the meaning behing Hanuman on Arjuna’s flag?

After seeing the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra arranged in their
formation, Arjuna, who had Hanumān as his banner crest, took up his bow in preparation for war. (20)

Answer 13

Victory is guarenteed with the Lord and Hanuman present. When a good quality awakens, the Lord is present and when it is energized with Bhakti and devotion, the Lord gives the power needed to move forward.
We ready ourselves by showing sincerity and willingness to change, Grace of God does the rest - nothing is possible without the Grace of God.

Question 14

1-21,22,23 Meaning of Arjuna asking Krishna to move the chariot in between the 2 armies.

And he spoke, O king, these words to Śrī Kṛṣṇa…
Arjuna says: O Kṛṣṇa, station my chariot between the two armies. I wish to look at those who are present here and know exactly who I have to fight in this great battle. (21-22)

I am eager to see those who have gathered here to please the evil-minded son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra (Duryodhana). (23)

Answer 14

Arjuna wants to get a good look at who he is facing even though he knows already. Showing great strength here, resembles self-observance - we should face our negative qualities head-on to become strong. - Not about fighting, about transcending. Self analysis happens here: What will I transcend? Which quality?
When you learn to observe, learn to overcome and transcend good and not good qualities.

Question 15

1-24,25 Meaning of Arjuna’s attachment to his family

Sañjaya says:
O Dhṛtarāṣṭ ra, having been addressed by Arjuna, Śrī
Kṛṣṇa stationed that best of chariots between the two
armies. (24)

In front of Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and all the other kings, Kṛṣṇa
says: “O Arjuna, behold all the Kurus who have assembled here.” (25)

Answer 15

Arjuna looks at his family on the Kaurava side and feels dejection - his heart pains him. Krishna wants to uproot these thoughts so Arjuna can receive more later.
Our negative qualities come back again and again because we want to see them - they’re like old friends.

Question 16

1-26 Gossiping vs. Observation

What does it mean to truly love yourself? And what is Arjuna’s role with this right now?

Then Arjuna saw standing there, fathers and grandfathers, teachers, uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons and friends.

Answer 16

Arjuna says “I know these people I’m supposed to fight!” When we gossip, everyone gets super energized and throw their spice into it. But when we become the observer, we see these qualities for what they are - as the observer we can see more clearly and let go more easily.

By seeing God within you, you can love Him in this way and as a consequence, you perceive Him everywhere.
You can’t love others if you don’t love yourself.
Arjuna carries on in his weakness, like when you want to love yourself but then say “Oh, but I also have this and that bad quality” - You have to train your mind not to hang onto begative qualities.

Question 17

1-27 What does it mean when we see negative qualities on the outside?

Having seen all his friends and different relatives
there, Arjuna was filled with deep compassion and said
these words in despair:

Answer 17

Krishna really lets Arjuna feel the connection to his family members as an example that all of us can relate to - Negative qualities that you see outside in other people are not outside but inside you. Must remove them from deep within. - Arjuna is so overcome with emotion that he feels pity and this stops him from fighting

Question 18

1-28,29,30 Deeper meaning of Arjuna caring about the opposing side.

Why has Krishna deliberately created this drama from Arjuna?

What is the deeper meaning of Arjuna’s restlessness?

After seeing my own family and friends ready to do battle and kill one another, my limbs have become weak and my mouth is drying up. My body is trembling, and my hair is standing on end. (28-29)

My bow, the Gāṇḍīva, is slipping from my hands and my
skin is burning. I am unable to hold myself together, I am confused, and my mind is reeling. (30)

Answer 18

Arjuna has a deep compassion for the other side, which shows that he is not only weak in this moment. He is strong. You can only transcend a weakness by taking ownership of it.
This is an example of how strong the mind can be, to cause him to also be such an emotional mess

Krishna created this set-up not only to teach Arjuna, but to also teach humanity, which comes in the form of the Bhagavad Gita - the sweetest form of the Lord.

Arjuna says that his limbs collapse and his mouth is parched - i.e. something’s gotta change! This impetus to change is necessary on the spiritual path. Otherwise we would be perfectly content with a limited existence.

Question 19

1-31 Why do we compare ourselves to others and what is the correct approach?

O Kṛṣṇa, I see only calamity for the future. I cannot see
any good in killing my own family in battle. (31)

Answer 19

Arjuna looks at how great Bhishma is and says that he is a worthy role model etc. Very often people will look to others as examples, not knowing that most skip the part about inward examination. - When we really look at our self, we can become an example.

Question 20

1-32 What is the consequence of Arjuna jumping to the future and saying how things will be if he fights?

How do you attain true mastery over your negative qualities?

Nor do I desire victory, a kingdom or happiness. Of what use to us is a kingdom, enjoyment or even life itself? (32)

Answer 20

Arjuna tortures himself with mental agony - isn’t thinking what needs to be done now, programmed himself that he won’t be happy by killing his relatives. People always first see what they’ll lose - the mind of Arjuna in this moment is just like your friends and family.

Instead of killing our negative qualities, we can only transform them. By doing this, they are weakened and cannot feed on anything - this is true mastery.
The result of true mastery is Dharmakshetra: when you do your dharma and enjoy what God has given you, then you become strong. Arjuna is doing the opposite

Question 21

1-33,34,35,36 Time and the temporary nature of the world - what is the only true enjoyment?

How do we correctly utilize material matter in this world?

What is the deeper meaning of Arjuna’s compassion?

The people for whose sake we desire those things stand
ready to fight and give up their lives, and their wealth,
for this war. (33)

Teachers, fathers, sons and also grandfathers, uncles,
fathers-in-law and grandsons, brothers-in-law and other
relatives stand before me. (34)

O Kṛṣṇa, they may wish to slay me, but I have no desire
to kill them, even if it were to rule the three worlds,
much less for this Earth. (35)

If we kill the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, what joy will be
ours, O Kṛṣṇa? Sin alone will stain us if we kill these
aggressors. (36)

Answer 21

The only true enjoyment is to enjoy every second in remembering the Divine - where you’ll continue on the other side enjoying His blessing.

Arjuna knows that riches and material gain from victory are short-lived. The mind runs after this, “gain” “gain” “gain” You can’t say I’ll gain all this material wealth now and then later on I’ll do that. The time is now, which is the only reality. - We run to get everything which will then be taken by death.

Everything we gain on physical, mental, and spiritual levels should be used to serve God. Then it has its use. If for personal benefit, it is ultimately of no value.

Out of compassion, you feel for others and automatically pride is not there.

Krishna made this compassion rise in Arjuna’s heart, otherwise he would have been aggressive and missed the whole point of killing them. It’s really about transforming these qualities.

Question 22

1-37 What is happening behind the scenes when Arjuna resists fighting? From Arjuna’s perspective and from Krishna’s perspective?

Therefore, it is not right that we slay the sons of
Dhṛtarāṣṭ ra. How can we rejoice, O Kṛṣṇa, if we kill our
own relatives? (37)

Answer 22

Arjuna is trying to sidestep his problems. - Really he should go through the fire with full trust in the Lord, we face ourselves and go!
Krishna is letting Arjuna cry it out, very patient. Because if you try to reason with someone who’s in this state, it’s of no use. Arjuna is working himself into exhaustion - maybe the main point of chapter 1.

Question 23

1-38,39 Difference between the Kauravas fighting and the Pandavas fighting?

Even though these people, whose minds are overpowered by greed, see no evil in destroying their family and betraying their friends, why should we, O Kṛṣṇa, who do recognise this evil, engage in such sinful deeds? (38-39)

Answer 23

The Greed of Duryodhana and his friends fully destroyed their ability to discriminate between “good” and “bad”. They don’t know how to do good for others.

The Pandavas fight to serve the Kauravas. This is the difference between killing and transforming - no presence of greed.
“Their minds are clouded and they can’t see. But we can see. That’s why I don’t want to fight.” With Love comes understanding.

Question 24

1-40,41 What happens when unrestrained activities reign supreme? Arjuna continues to project into the future about family customs.

If the family is destroyed, its ancient traditions perish, and
when traditions perish, unrighteousness overtakes the
whole clan. (40)

When unrighteousness prevails, O Kṛṣṇa, the women of
the clan become corrupt; when women become corrupt,
future generations will follow. (41)

Answer 24

Vices arise and sin is created.
Arjuna talks about how with chaos internally in the family, customs will also change. People without moral values make fun of others. This is why people make fun of you when you’re on the spiritual path. Those people have turned towards the outside - materialism.

You can’t change others, once you change yourself, everyone else will change. Arjuna is making more excuses trying to sidestep. Krishna says it’s actually about Dharma - these ideas of what the future will look like don’t matter at all.

Question 25

1-42 Does Arjuna want pity from Krishna, the great Doctor?

The mixing of social classes creates a living hell both for the family and for those who destroy it. Consequently, the ancestors of such a family will certainly fall because they will be deprived of their ritual offerings. (42)

Answer 25

Yes, Arjuna continues to project into the future again and wants Krishna to say “poor you, you’re right let’s not fight and go home”. But Krishna is the great doctor. This would be like going to the doctor’s office and instead of giving you medicine, he sits down and cries with you!

Arjuna is working himself to exhaustion - needs to happen before Krishna can guide him.

Question 26

1-43,44 Arjuna sees his own fear in these verses as he projects into the future about fate of Ancestors, etc. What is Krishna (still) doing here?

The sinful deeds of those who destroy their family and
mix social classes ruin the ancient traditions of our clan.
(43)

We have heard, O Kṛṣṇa, that there is certainly a place in hell for those who destroy such family practices. (44)

Answer 26

Arjuna sees his own fear and out of sadness and guilt, doesn’t want to take responsibility upon himself.

With every idea that Arjuna throws at Krishna, Krishna says “Yes, yes. Next? Do you have more? Please tell Me all of your concerns. It is important that Arjuna empty himself out here so that, with a dash of surrender, Krishna can bring him back up again.

Question 27

1-45 How would you describe to overall awareness of the Pandavas?

Alas! We have resolved to commit a great crime, in that we are ready to slay our own family, just to rule and enjoy the pleasures of a kingdom. (45)

Answer 27

The Pandavas were conscious of karmic actions in general, and Guruji praises them for this awareness. Even if Arjuna had the wrong thinking in these early moments.

Question 28

1-46 Arjuna proposes a different scenario that would be better than to fight other than running away. What is it?

What does Arjuna do with his bow at this moment?

Even if the fully-armed sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭ ra were to slay
me in battle, unresisting and unarmed, that would be
better for me. (46)

Answer 28

Arjuna says it would be better to let the Kauravas slay him unarmed and unresisting for the people’s sake. For the greater good, the Kauravas would be appeased, no need for war.

Though this is a high level of sacrifice, it is still cowardice and Adharmic.

Arjuna casts down his bow in complete dejection. With self-pity, we find lots of excuses not to do our dharma.

Arjuna represents each one of us, showing each state that we go through in life. Even though God is right in front of him, the mind is so clouded and blind that he can’t see straight.