Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 10

English Translation

Therefore, our army under the complete protection of Bhisma and others is unlimited. But this army of these (enemies), under the protection of Bhima and others is limited.

Detailed Commentary

।।1.10।। Interpretation: 'Insufficient indeed is this army of ours, protected by Bhishma' – Due to *adharma* and injustice, fear resided in Duryodhana's mind. Therefore, he thinks about his army, "Our army, despite being vast – indeed, four *Akshauhinis* larger than the Pandavas' – is incapable of achieving victory over them." This is because our army lacks the unity and fearlessness that the Pandava army possesses. Our commander-in-chief, *Pitamaha* Bhishma, is benevolent towards both sides. He is a great devotee of Krishna and holds Yudhishthira in high regard, and he has affection for Arjuna. Therefore, even while being on our side, he wishes well for the Pandavas. If Bhishma is our commander, how can our army be capable against the Pandavas? It cannot. 'Sufficient indeed is this army of theirs, protected by Bhima' – However, the Pandavas' army is capable of conquering us. The reason is that there is no disagreement in their army; all are united and unanimous. Their protector is the mighty Bhimasena, who has been defeating me since childhood. He alone has vowed to kill our hundred brothers. His body is strong like a thunderbolt (*vajra*). I poisoned him, yet he did not die. Such a Bhimasena is the protector of the Pandava army; therefore, that army is truly capable, complete. Here, a doubt may arise: Duryodhana named Bhishma, the commander (*Senapati*), as the protector of his army. However, for the Pandava army's protector, he named Bhimasena, who is not the commander. The resolution to this is that Duryodhana is not thinking about the power of the commanders, but rather about the power of the armies: which army has greater strength? From the very beginning, Bhimasena's power had a profound impact on Duryodhana. Therefore, he names Bhimasena as the protector of the Pandava army. Arjuna takes up his bow upon seeing the Kaurava army (Gita 1.20), but Duryodhana, upon seeing the Pandava army, approaches Dronacharya and asks him to observe the Pandavas' army. This proves that fear has taken root in his mind. He cunningly seeks to please Dronacharya, wishing to incite him against the Pandavas, for *adharma* resides in his heart. An unjust person is neither fearless nor lives with peace and tranquility. However, within Arjuna lies *dharma* and justice. Therefore, he is not cunning, nor is he fearful; rather, he is enthusiastic and valorous. Thus, he tells *Bhagavan*, "Achyuta, place my chariot between the two armies" (1.21). This signifies that one who relies on perishable wealth and *adharma* does not possess true strength. But one who follows *dharma* and takes refuge in *Bhagavan* remains fearless. Therefore, *sadhakas* (spiritual aspirants) should abandon *adharma* and, taking refuge in *Bhagavan*, steadfastly follow their *dharma*. One should never take refuge in *adharma* driven by the lure of material wealth; these lead to misfortune. Connection – Now, Duryodhana, to please *Pitamaha* Bhishma, addresses all the great warriors (*Maharathis*) of his army.