Section XXV (Bhagavad Gita Chapter I) - Bhagavadgita: Arjuna's Dilemma on the Battlefield
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXV (Bhagavad Gita Chapter I) including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
On the eve of the battle of Kurukshetra, King Duryodhana, feeling anxious about the Pandava army, seeks guidance from his preceptor, Drona. He voices his concerns about the strength of his own army compared to the Pandavas, who have formidable warriors like Bhima and Arjuna. Duryodhana instructs his army to protect Bhishma, their leader, while the Pandavas are led by Bhima. The stage is set for a fierce battle between the two sides.
As the battle draws near, conches, drums, and horns are sounded, creating a loud uproar. The Pandavas, led by Arjuna and Krishna, also blow their conches, including the famous conch called Pancajanya and Devadatta. Both armies are ready for the impending conflict, with warriors like Yudhishthira, Nakula, Sahadeva, and others blowing their own conches. The atmosphere is charged with tension as both sides prepare for the inevitable clash.
Arjuna, feeling conflicted about fighting his own kin, requests Krishna to place their chariot between the two armies so he can see who he will have to face in battle. Overwhelmed with emotion at the sight of his friends and family on the battlefield, Arjuna expresses his reluctance to fight. He laments the consequences of killing his own kinsmen, fearing the loss of family customs, corruption of women, and the extinction of caste rules. Arjuna is torn between duty and love for his family, leading him to question the morality of the impending battle.
Arjuna's moral dilemma reaches a peak as he realizes the gravity of the situation and the impact of the battle on society. He grapples with the idea of causing the destruction of his own race and the subsequent chaos that would follow. Arjuna contemplates the consequences of his actions, weighing the temporary gain of sovereignty against the eternal repercussions of killing his kin. Ultimately, Arjuna lays down his weapons and sits in despair, overwhelmed by the weight of his decision and the conflict between duty and compassion.
The dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna sets the stage for the Bhagavadgita, revealing the deeper philosophical and moral questions at play in the epic battle of Kurukshetra. Arjuna's internal struggle and Krishna's teachings on duty, righteousness, and the true nature of the self will shape the course of the war and offer timeless wisdom for generations to come.
Full English translation:
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Section XXV (Bhagavad Gita Chapter I), online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XXV (Bhagavad Gita Chapter I):
What troubled Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra?
Arjuna was troubled by seeing his own kinsmen ready for battle. He felt pity, sorrow, and hesitation in fighting them, leading him to question the purpose of victory and rulership.
What did Arjuna express about the consequences of slaying his kinsmen?
Arjuna feared sin and the loss of eternal customs that would arise from the extermination of his own race. He mentioned the corruption of women, intermingling of castes, and descent into hell for those who destroy their own lineage.
How did Arjuna's inner conflict affect his actions on the battlefield?
Arjuna's inner conflict caused him to cast aside his bow and arrows, sit down on his chariot, and express his reluctance to fight even for victory and rulership. He questioned the morality of attacking his own kinsmen.
Daily life: Bhagavadgita: Arjuna's Dilemma on the Battlefield:
The story showcases Arjuna, a warrior poised for battle, who experiences a profound internal conflict upon seeing his own relatives and teachers arrayed against him. His reaction underscores the importance of introspection and the ethical dilemmas we often face in life. It teaches us that it is crucial to evaluate the consequences of our actions, especially when they might harm others, even in pursuit of our goals. Arjuna's moral quandary emphasizes the significance of empathy and the deep consideration for the welfare of all, illustrating that achieving one’s objectives at the expense of others' well-being is not true victory.
In daily life, this narrative encourages us to pause and reflect on our actions and intentions, urging us to look beyond immediate gains and consider the broader impact of our decisions. It reminds us to value relationships and human connections over material or superficial accomplishments. The essence of this lesson is to promote a life led by principles and guided by a strong moral compass, aiming not only for personal success but also for the harmony and well-being of those around us. This approach fosters a sense of integrity and respect for life in all its complexity, guiding us towards more compassionate and thoughtful actions.