Page 10 (1/1)
Chapter 1 - Arjuna's Dilee for the discourse nonpareil is set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra Gathered with their ared cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, all set to join the battle After reviewing the relative strengths of the opposing formations, Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince, fancies his chances On the other hand, Arjuna, alias Paartha, the spearhead of the Pandava forces, is beset with ins to see the futility of a fratricidal war that would result in the death of kith and kin in numbers To Lord Krishna, who dons the role of his charioteer, a distressed Arjuna enumerates the ills that visit society in the wake of wars Exasperated in the end, he expresses his intent to rescind fro attitudes of the principal combatants of the Battle of Mahabharata are illustrative of the dualities inherent in human nature, exemplified by man’s proclivities Duryodhana as well as Arjuna meticulously prepared for the battle ahead, and both were bent upon fighting to the finish But when the chips are dohile Duryodhana dreamt of victory, Arjuna suffered from qualms It is this inherent duality of huures in Lord Krishna’s discourse in the co 47slokas(verses), is known asArjuna Vishaada Yoga, Arjuna’s GriefHowever, it is worth noting that though Arjuna’s derief, it’s the dileives cause to it Thus, there isrechristened asArjuna’s Dilemma On the other hand, it is the supre on how one views it, that this Treatise of Self-help should begin with Dhrutarashtra's query, whose blind love towards his son Duryodhana brought things to this pass
One ht notice the inconsistency in Duryodhana’s assessment of Pandava forces in that while in s3-s6 he considers the to do with his state of mind on the eve of war
1
Thus spoke Dhrutarashtra:
Appraise Sanjay as my sons
Gathered at the battleground
Face the sons of er for the war on hand
2
Thus spoke Sanjaya:
Eyeing Pandavs there lined up
So to assess relative strengths
Reached Duryodhan, Dron in time
3
Findacharya, said the Prince,
Pandav force thus there arrayed
None other than by Drushtadyuht all tricks of war
4
Virat ’n Drupad, so Yuyudhaana
With Bhim ’n Arjun they stand out