By: Rajendra Kapil

Beginning today, Indo-US Tribune launches a new series titled “Shreemad Bhagwat Geeta : As
I Understand” ( English Version), a humble attempt to understand and explain the Bhagavad
Gita. In this series, our esteemed columnist Rajendra Kapil ji, who has previously written
extensively on the Ramcharitmanas, will share his insights into the Gita in simple language.
I hope this effort will help readers better understand the profound message of the Gita.
— Dr. Avi Verma

Chapter One: Arjuna’s Grief (Arjuna Vishada Yoga)

The Bhagavad Gita is a small but powerful section of India’s great epic, the Mahabharata. The
central story of the epic revolves around a deadly war between members of the same royal family
over power and succession. Even Lord Krishna was a part of this very family. He tried tirelessly
to bring peace and avoid war. But when a person becomes blind with ego and selfishness, not
even God’s words can reach him. When all paths to peace are blocked, only one option
remains—war.

The villain of the epic, Duryodhana, outright refused to give his cousins, the Pandavas, even a
needlepoint of land without a fight.
The Bhagavad Gita begins just before this war. It is a dialogue meant to give courage, strength,
and clarity. It is a powerful attempt to help a friend who has become mentally weak regain his
resolve.

At that time, King Dhritarashtra, who was blind both physically and morally, sat on the throne.
He was helpless before his arrogant and unruly son, Duryodhana. His wife Gandhari, too, had
blindfolded herself and refused to see her sons’ faults. With all hopes for peace gone, war
becomes inevitable. The battlefield is chosen. Dhritarashtra, filled with anxiety about the
outcome, is given divine sight by Lord Krishna through his minister Sanjay, so he can hear and
see the events of the war as they unfold. Thus begins the Bhagavad Gita:
“In the holy land of Kurukshetra, gathered together and eager to fight,
What did my sons and the sons of Pandu do, O Sanjay?”

Warriors from all over India join this battle, divided into two camps. Lord Krishna takes the role
of charioteer for his dear friend Arjuna. On the first day, he drives Arjuna’s chariot between
both armies. The battlefield of Kurukshetra is set, and war is about to begin. Arjuna asks Krishna
to bring the chariot closer so he can see who stands against him. When he sees his revered Guru
Drona, his Grandfather Bhishma, and many other dear relatives and elders—whom he
worships with love and respect—he is overwhelmed with sorrow.

He wonders, What will I gain by killing them? The throne of Hastinapur?
Thus begins the divine dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, known to the world as the
Bhagavad Gita.

“O Krishna, seeing my own kinsmen ready to fight,
My limbs grow weak, my mouth goes dry,
My body trembles, my hair stands on end.
My bow Gandiva slips from my hand,
My skin burns, and I cannot stand steady.
My mind is reeling.”

Overcome with despair, Arjuna sits down and says:

“O Madhava, I cannot fight. My mouth is parched, my bow is slipping, I am unable to
stand. I feel faint. What good is a kingdom gained through such bloodshed?”

This is Vishada, or deep sorrow—an ache of the heart, a long and painful confusion.

He tells Krishna: I don’t want the throne or kingdom if it means this. If Duryodhana gives us
nothing, so be it—I will live on alms. I won’t become a partner in this sin. I won’t be the reason
for so many women becoming widows. Killing Dhritarashtra’s sons won’t bring me peace or
happiness.

As his grief deepens, Arjuna argues further: “Our cousins, driven by greed, don’t see the
destruction they’re causing. But we, who understand dharma, should avoid this sin. The
destruction of a family destroys eternal traditions. Women of the family lose their way. This gives
rise to unwanted progeny, which eventually leads to the ruin of the entire clan. Such families fall
into hell for generations. I will not be a part of such evil.”

Thus ends the first chapter of the Gita, known as “Arjuna Vishada Yoga”, or The Yoga of
Arjuna’s Grief. This chapter lays bare Arjuna’s heartbreak and confusion upon seeing his
relatives and teachers on the battlefield. He begs Lord Krishna to take him away from it all.

Key Themes of Chapter One:

 Sanjay narrates the war to Dhritarashtra:
Sanjay gives a vivid, real-time account of the battlefield and Arjuna’s mental turmoil.

 Arjuna’s sorrow:
Seeing loved ones on both sides, Arjuna is overwhelmed by grief and loses the will to
fight.
 Arjuna’s confusion:
He is torn between his duties and his emotions.

 Importance of duty and karma:
This chapter initiates the deeper spiritual discussion on duty, karma, and righteousness.

 Facing despair and doubt:
We learn that life brings moments of sorrow and confusion—but we must not waver from
our responsibilities.

Thus, the Gita begins not with certainty, but with deep emotional conflict and confusion. Only
when questions arise do solutions begin to unfold. In the next chapter, we will see how Lord
Krishna helps Arjuna overcome his despair.