Chapter 1 • Verse 22

Arjuna Vishada Yoga

The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection

Sanskrit Verse

yavad etan nirikshe 'ham yoddhu-kaman avasthitan, kair maya saha yoddhavyam asmin rana-samudyame

Translation & Meaning

Arjuna asks to see those who are assembled here ready to fight, with whom he must contend in this effort of war. He wants to survey the field before committing to battle — a reasonable desire that quickly becomes the catalyst for his moral crisis as he recognizes loved ones in the opposing ranks.

Key Teachings

  • •Seeing clearly the full consequences of our actions is a prerequisite for wise choice
  • •What we behold can transform our certainty into doubt and our duty into grief
  • •Honest examination of a conflict may uncover truths that challenge our assumptions

Topics

warmoral dilemmadoubtconflictguidance
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