The first chapter is titled Arjuna Visada Yoga or Yoga of Arjuna’s Grief. While there is not much philosophy here it gives valuable insight into the human personality. It begins with Dhrtarastra’s question to Sanjaya. The Bhagavad Gita is conveyed to us by Sanjaya, the commentator of the Gita who was endowed with the special privilege of seeing the proceedings at Kurukshetra from the palace in Hastinapur, a distance of about 120 kms. Sage Vyasa, the composer of the Gita, conferred this gift to Sanjaya. Dhrtarastra asks Sanjaya what his sons and the sons of Pandu are doing. The root of all conflict and war is a feeling of separateness – mine versus yours – which Dhrtarastra displays. Pandu was his brother and Pandu’s sons were like his own. Yet he differentiates between his sons and those of Pandu’s.
Sanjaya begins his narrative by reporting that Duryodhana is approaching the revered guru Dronacarya with arrogance. Duryodhana reveals his fear and diffidence. His military strength is at least one and a half times that of the Pandavas. Yet he is insecure. Insecurity stems from viciousness, unrighteousness and a feeling of otherness. A warrior’s strength comes from the noble ideal which he upholds. Duryodhana has nothing but his selfishness and foolishness to fall back on. Hence the lack of self confidence.
Meanwhile Krsna drives Arjuna between the two armies to assess the enemy forces. Arjuna sees in the enemy lines his own beloved patriarch Bhisma who had renounced the kingdom for which they were fighting. He sees his guru Dronacarya who had taught him archery. He sees relatives when he should be seeing enemies. When emotion comes in the way of intellectual conviction he falters and falls. He makes absurd arguments to justify his stand and displays false vairagya or dispassion. Confused and exhausted, he collapses, unable to stand, his mind whirling, mouth dry, body trembling and hair standing on end.
Thus the mighty Arjuna breaks down, overcome with frail pity, oblivious of his obligation as a ksatriya, ruler, to uphold dharma, righteousness. When we lack a higher vision we are weakened by dithering emotions. We tend to get bogged down by petty considerations. The intellect gets clouded and we embark on a disastrous action plan. This is Arjuna’s state.
Arjuna had not asked for the war. Yet he has to play a central role in it, one that he is least prepared for. He has to first resolve the conflict between his head and his heart, both of which are saying different things. The stage is set for Krsna to teach Arjuna, and through him, all the confused and troubled souls down the ages. Millions of people have turned to the Gita in their hour of need and found the light of wisdom that shows the clear path out of darkness to Truth. And so will we if we listen to Krsna’s advice with an open mind.
Learnings from Chapter 1
1. All problems arise from a feeling of separateness. Feel one with all, including your opponent or enemy. The mind will be at peace, intellect sharp and clear. And actions effective. But do not allow love to come in the way of hard decisions. A mother loves her child always. But takes corrective action when needed.
2. Fear and insecurity come from wrong-doing, ignorance, viciousness, selfishness and otherness. Follow your conscience and be unselfish. You will become fearless even against the greatest odds.
3. All the talent, power and might amount to nought if you are unrighteous. Righteousness is the single most important determinant of success and victory.
4. View a situation from a narrow perspective of ‘what will happen to me’ and you get confused and indecisive. Action stops. Look at the same thing from a higher viewpoint and you gain clarity.
5. Do not allow emotions to cloud your judgement. Look at things dispassionately. Take your emotions into consideration but let the intellect decide the course of action.
6. Focus on your obligations. Perform them well. Do not waste time judging others. Do not get derailed by weak pity which is a temporary aberration of the mind.
7. When you look within and stand between the two opposing armies, doing neither good nor bad, you see the Kurus – negative tendencies.
8. When mental agitations mount you begin to hallucinate. You see things that do not exist.
9. Grief induces a sense of false renunciation. Defer decisions when your mind is troubled.
10. Hatred and bitterness come in the way of right action. Rise above hatred. The mind is at rest, the intellect regains clarity and you are able to take the necessary corrective steps.
11. Ignorant people are most adamant about their wrong views. Examine the things you are most sure of. There may be some fundamental errors in judgement there.