1. Introduction to Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled Arjuna Vishada Yoga (The Yoga of Arjuna’s Despondency), marks the beginning of the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This chapter sets the stage for the philosophical teachings of the Gita by illustrating Arjuna’s inner conflict, moral dilemma, and ultimate surrender to Krishna.
Significance in the Broader Context: The chapter serves as a dramatic prelude, highlighting the psychological and ethical turmoil faced by Arjuna. His crisis represents the universal struggle between duty (dharma) and emotional attachment (moha).
Mood and Philosophical Depth: The setting on the battlefield (Kurukshetra, also referred to as Dharma-Kṣetra) symbolizes the eternal battle between righteousness and unrighteousness, setting the stage for Krishna’s divine discourse.
2. Dhritarashtra’s Inquiry and Its Symbolism
The chapter begins with Dhritarashtra’s question:
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः।
मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय ॥ 1.1॥
Translation: Dhritarashtra said: In the sacred land of Kurukshetra, where my sons and the sons of Pandu have assembled for battle, what did they do, O Sanjaya?
Blindness as a Metaphor: Dhritarashtra’s physical blindness reflects his moral and spiritual blindness. He remains attached to his sons (Kauravas), despite their unrighteous actions.
Dharma-Kṣetra (Sacred Battlefield): Ramanujacharya interprets this as a place where dharma prevails. The battle is not just a political conflict but a cosmic struggle where divine justice will be upheld.
3. The Battlefield and Key Warriors
Duryodhana’s Anxiety: Seeing the Pandava army arranged strategically, Duryodhana approaches Dronacharya and expresses his concerns. His speech reflects fear and insecurity, despite his numerical superiority.
Bhishma’s War Cry: To boost morale, Bhishma blows his conch, signaling the battle’s commencement.
The Divine Conches:
Krishna’s Panchajanya – Represents divine authority.
Arjuna’s Devadatta – Symbolizes purity of intent.
The sound of divine conches signifies dharma’s supremacy and the inevitability of divine intervention.
4. Arjuna’s Despondency
Arjuna, upon seeing his relatives, teachers, and loved ones arrayed against him, is overcome with sorrow. He expresses his turmoil:
Arjuna Uvacha:
दृष्ट्वेमं स्वजनं कृष्ण युयुत्सुं समुपस्थितम् ।
सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि मुखं च परिशुष्यति ॥ 1.28॥
Translation: Seeing my own kinsmen standing ready to fight, O Krishna, my limbs fail and my mouth is parched.
Physical and Emotional Breakdown: Arjuna’s trembling, sweating, and loss of composure reflect his psychological distress.
Moral Dilemma (Kuladharma): He fears that war will lead to the destruction of family traditions (कुलधर्म) and societal decay.
Surrender to Krishna: Arjuna drops his bow (Gandiva), symbolizing his inner crisis and unwillingness to fight. This marks the pivotal moment where Krishna’s guidance becomes necessary.
5. Ramanujacharya’s Philosophical Insights
Ramanujacharya interprets this chapter as a prelude to Prapatti (total surrender to Krishna). His commentary emphasizes:
Dharma vs. Moha (Delusion): Arjuna's attachment to relatives blinds him to his duty. True dharma is acting according to Krishna’s will.
Prapatti (Surrender to Krishna): Arjuna’s distress is necessary as it leads to surrender, the highest form of devotion in Vishishtadvaita Vedanta.
Atman vs. Temporary Bodily Relations: The eternal soul (Atman) is distinct from the perishable body. Thus, Arjuna’s grief is misplaced.
Setting the Stage for Bhakti Yoga: This chapter paves the way for Krishna’s teachings on Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, ultimately leading to the path of divine surrender (Sharanagati).
6. Conclusion and Thematic Summary
Chapter 1 as a Philosophical Prelude: It introduces the existential conflict within every individual, where duty and emotion clash.
The Battlefield as a Metaphor: Kurukshetra symbolizes inner conflicts that require divine guidance to resolve.
Ramanuja’s Devotional Understanding: His interpretation of Arjuna’s surrender as the beginning of spiritual awakening aligns with the core principles of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta.
Thus, Chapter 1 is not merely an introduction to war but a profound spiritual allegory, preparing Arjuna (and humanity) for the divine wisdom imparted by Krishna in the following chapters.
References
Swami Desikan’s Tatparya Chandrika commentary in English by Sri A Narasimhan Swamy
Sri Bhagavad Gita with Sri Ramanujacharya’s Visistadvaita Commentary by A Govindacharya
Swami Desikan’s Gitartha Sangraham annotated commentary in English by Opiiliappan Koil Sri Varadhachari Sadakopan
Gitartha Sangraha by Yamunacharya with translation in English and explanatory notes by Diwan Bahadur V. K. Ramanujachari
Sri Ramanuja Gita Bhashya English translation by Adidevananda
Srimad Bhagavad Gita with Gita Bhashya of Bhagavad Ramanujacharya by U. Ve. Rama Ramanuja Achari
Ramanuja on Bhagavad Gita by J.A.B. Van Buitenen
Sri Ramanuja on The Gita by S. S. Raghavachar
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