6. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 13-23 (Refining Your Responses)

Bhagavad Gita Advanced Lessons for the Western Mind

Chapter 1, Verses 13-18: The battlefield was suddenly filled with a cacophony of sounds as conches, kettledrums, tabors, trumpets, and cow-horns were blasted simultaneously, creating an overwhelming, earth-shaking noise. Amidst this tumultuous setting, Krishna (the charioteer) and Arjuna (the warrior), seated in a resplendent chariot drawn by white horses, raised their divine conches and blew them, producing a sound that stood out even amidst the din. Krishna blew his conch (Panchajanya), Arjuna sounded his (Devadatta), and Bhima (known for his immense strength and fierce deeds) blew his mighty conch (Paundra). King Yudhishthira (eldest of the Pandavas) blew his conch (Anantavijaya), while his brothers Nakula blew his (Sughosha) and Sahadeva blew his (Manipushpaka). The king of Kasi (renowned for his expertise in archery), Sikhandi, Drishtadyumna, Virata (king of his Matsya kingdom), the unmatched Satyaki (a Yadava warrior), Drupada (king of Panchala kingdom), the sons of Draupadi, and Abhimanyu (the mighty-armed son of Subhadra) all blew their conches as well. This collective act symbolized their unity and readiness to fight, each conch contributing to the grand chorus of impending battle.

Chapter 1, Verse 19: The deafening sound of the conches, resonating through the earth and sky, struck fear into the heart of Dhritarashtra, symbolizing the shattering of his illusions and the unavoidable reality of the impending war. This moment exemplifies how actions rooted in adharma (immorality) eventually return to the doer, as illustrated by the Mahabharata stories where aggression and revenge lead to greater destruction and suffering. For example, Drona's death following Yudhishthira's strategic deceit and Ashwatthama's retaliatory actions with devastating weapons highlight the lesson that letting go of aggression can neutralize powerful threats, much like the peaceful protests led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi. The verse underscores the inevitability of facing the consequences of one's actions and the ultimate collapse of false hopes and safety. In the following verses, Sanjaya shifts focus to Arjuna, setting the stage for his dialogue with Krishna.

Chapter 1, Verse 20: As the battle was about to begin, Arjuna, bearing Hanuman on his banner, saw the sons of Dhritarashtra assembled. Lifting his bow, he prepared to speak to Krishna, his charioteer. Background Story how Krishna Got Involved in War: Both the Pandavas and Kauravas sought Krishna's help. Duryodhana stood at Krishna's head while he slept, and Arjuna sat by his feet. Upon awakening, Krishna first saw Arjuna and offered them a choice: his entire army and weapons or Krishna himself, who would not fight. Duryodhana chose the army, while Arjuna chose Krishna, valuing his wisdom over military strength. This choice symbolized humility (Arjuna at Krishna's feet) versus control (Duryodhana at Krishna's head).

Chapter 1, Verse 21-23: Arjuna asks Krishna to position the chariot in the middle of the battlefield to clearly see both sides, aiming to assess the situation and determine the right course of action, considering the moral implications of the war. While Arjuna seeks clarity and moral insight, Duryodhana's strategy is to self-soothe by believing his soldiers are there to protect Bhishma and fight for him.

See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/