Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga
The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection - the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita sets the stage for the entire dialogue. Arjuna, standing between two armies on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, is overcome by despair and refuses to fight.
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Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga - The Despondency of Arjuna
The Bhagavad Gita begins on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where two vast armies face each other for war. The blind king Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya, his counselor, what is happening on the battlefield. Sanjaya, blessed with divine vision, describes the scene.
The Armies
On one side stand the Kauravas - the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, led by Duryodhana. Their army includes the mighty warriors Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and others.
On the other side stand the Pandavas - the five sons of Pandu: Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. Their army is led by Dhrishtadyumna and protected by Krishna himself, who has chosen to be Arjuna’s charioteer.
Arjuna’s Request
As the battle is about to begin, Arjuna asks Krishna to drive his chariot between the two armies. He wants to see those who have come to fight against him.
When Arjuna sees his teachers, elders, relatives, and friends arrayed on both sides, he is overcome with sorrow. He sees that this war will require him to kill those he loves and respects.
The Despondency
Arjuna’s mind collapses. He speaks to Krishna of his confusion, grief, and moral dilemma:
“I do not see how any good can come from killing my own kinsmen. What is victory worth if it is won at the cost of the lives of those I love? I would rather be killed myself than kill my family.”
His body trembles. His bow slips from his hand. He declares that he will not fight.
The Teaching Begins
Arjuna’s despair is not weakness - it is the necessary breakdown of the ego before the teaching can begin. His confusion between dharma and adharma, his attachment to results, his identification with the body and relationships - all of these must be addressed before he can act rightly.
The chapter ends with Arjuna sitting down in his chariot, having thrown aside his bow and arrows, saying: “I will not fight.”
Key Verses
Verse 28: Arjuna said: Seeing my own kinsmen arrayed here, O Krishna, eager to fight, my limbs fail and my mouth becomes dry.
Verse 33: Those for whose sake we desire kingdom, enjoyment, and happiness are standing here ready to fight, abandoning their lives and wealth.
Verse 46: It would be better for me if the sons of Dhritarashtra, with weapons in hand, should kill me in battle while I am unarmed and unresisting.