Chapter 1 - Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra

[Bhava dasa (ACBSP)]

Summary Outline of Bhagavad-gita As It Is: Chapter 1 - Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra
(Arjuna Vishada Yoga [The Yoga of Arjuna’s Dejection])

Bhagavad-gita As It Is, by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

1. Introduction: The Battlefield of Kurukshetra (Verses 1-11)
• King Dhritarashtra inquires from Sanjaya about the battle.
• Sanjaya describes how Duryodhana assesses both armies and speaks to Dronacharya.
• Duryodhana boasts about his warriors but also expresses anxiety about the strength of the Pandavas.
• The Kaurava army is commanded by Bhishma, and the Pandava army by Bhima.

2. Blowing of Conch Shells: Symbolic Call to War (Verses 12-19)
• Bhishma blows his conch, energizing the Kaurava army.
• The Pandavas respond with powerful conch sounds—Krishna and Arjuna blow their divine conches (Panchajanya and Devadatta).
• The sound shakes the battlefield, symbolizing divine support for the Pandavas.

3. Arjuna’s Request: Observing the Opponents (Verses 20-27)
• Arjuna asks Krishna (his charioteer) to place their chariot in the middle of the battlefield.
• He sees his own relatives, teachers, and friends on both sides.
• Overcome with emotion, he starts questioning the purpose of war.

4. Arjuna’s Moral Dilemma: Doubt and Compassion (Verses 28-35)
• Arjuna is overwhelmed with sorrow and compassion.
• He argues that killing family members will lead to sin and suffering.
• He experiences symptoms of weakness—his body trembles, his bow slips from his hands, and his mind is disturbed.

5. Consequences of War: Destruction of Family Traditions (Verses 36-43)
• Arjuna fears that war will lead to the destruction of family values (varna sankara), leading to moral and spiritual decline.
• He believes that winning the kingdom is not worth the destruction of his loved ones.
• He starts considering renunciation instead of fighting.

6. Arjuna’s Surrender: Dropping His Bow (Verses 44-47)
• Arjuna, confused and grief-stricken, declares he will not fight.
• He drops his bow and sits down in his chariot, surrendering to despair.
• Sanjaya ends the chapter by reporting this to Dhritarashtra, hinting at the teachings to come.

Key Themes:
• Moral dilemma and duty (dharma) vs. personal emotions.
• The illusion of attachment (maya) leading to confusion.
• The need for divine guidance in times of crisis.
• Arjuna’s surrender as a turning point for spiritual wisdom.

This sets the stage for Krishna’s teachings in Chapter Two, where he begins instructing Arjuna on duty, selfless action, and the eternal nature of the soul.