Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra

Theme and purpose

Arjuna observes the armies and becomes overwhelmed by compassion for relatives. Foreseeing no enjoyment in victory, fearful of sinful reactions and concerned about the harmful effects of destroying families, Arjuna decides not to fight.

How this chapter connects

Sections and key teachings

1. 1.1 Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Inquiry to Sañjaya
2. 1.2–11 Duryodhana’s Fear and Diplomacy in Describing the Armies
3. 1.12–19 Blowing of Conchshells (Signs of Victory of the Pāṇḍavas)
4. 1.20–27 Arjuna Observes the Armies
   2 subsections

   • 1.20–25 Desiring to see the supporters of Duryodhana, Arjuna asks Kṛṣṇa to take the chariot between the two armies.
   • 1.26–27 Seeing different kinds of relatives, Arjuna becomes overwhelmed with compassion.
5. 1.28–46 Arjuna’s Reasons Not to Fight
   5 subsections

   • 1.28–30 First reason – Compassion for relatives and the resultant bodily symptoms
   • 1.31–35 Second reason – Foreseeing no enjoyment in victory
   • 1.36–38 Third reason – Fear of sinful reactions
   • 1.39–43 Fourth reason – Harmful effects of destroying the family
   • 1.44–46 Arjuna, being griefsriken, decides not to fight.

All verses

1.1

• 1.1

1.2–11

• 1.2
• 1.3
• 1.4
• 1.5
• 1.6
• 1.7
• 1.8
• 1.9
• 1.10
• 1.11

1.12–19

• 1.12
• 1.13
• 1.14
• 1.15
• 1.16–18
• 1.19

1.20–27

• 1.20
• 1.21–22
• 1.23
• 1.24
• 1.25
• 1.26
• 1.27

1.28–46

• 1.28
• 1.29
• 1.30
• 1.31
• 1.32–35
• 1.36
• 1.37–38
• 1.39
• 1.40
• 1.41
• 1.42
• 1.43
• 1.44
• 1.45
• 1.46