Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 3

English Translation

O teacher, (please) see this vast army of the sons of Pandu, arrayed for battle by the son of Drupada, your intelligent disciple.

Detailed Commentary

In addressing Dronacharya as 'Acharya', Duryodhana's intent is to emphasize that Drona is the preceptor (Acharya) to all of them—both the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Being the instructor of martial arts (shastravidya), he is the guru of everyone, and therefore, he should not take anyone's side. By using the words 'tava shishyena dhimata' (by your intelligent disciple), Duryodhana means to convey that Dronacharya himself imparted knowledge of martial arts to Dhrishtadyumna, who was born for the very purpose of slaying him. This Dhrishtadyumna is so sagacious (dhimata) that he acquired his skills from you yourself. 'Drupada-putrena' (the son of Drupada)—this signifies that Drupada performed a yajna through Brahmins named Yaj and Upayaj to bring forth Dhrishtadyumna, who was destined to slay you. That very Dhrishtadyumna now stands arrayed against you as the commander of the opposing forces. Duryodhana uses 'Drupada-putrena' here to remind Dronacharya of Drupada's deep-seated animosity. 'Panduputranam etam vyudham mahatim chamum pashya' (Behold this vast, elaborately arrayed army of the sons of Pandu). The implication here is that the Pandavas, upon whom you shower affection, have appointed Dhrishtadyumna as the commander against you. Had the Pandavas truly held affection for you, they would not have made him their general. Although the Pandavas' army was numerically smaller, Duryodhana describes it as "vast." (1) The strategic formation (vyuha) of the Pandavas' army was such that, despite its smaller numbers, it appeared formidable and vast, and (2) all the warriors were united, making the army seem great in strength and spirit. Duryodhana wishes to convey to Dronacharya that this army should not be underestimated in battle. He suggests that since the Pandavas' commander is Dronacharya's own disciple, vanquishing him should be simple for Dronacharya. The phrase 'etam pashya' (behold this) implies that the Pandavas' army is fully prepared for war, and therefore, a swift decision must be made on how to achieve victory over it. Relation (Sambandha): After requesting Dronacharya to observe the Pandavas' army, Duryodhana proceeds to point out the principal warriors within that Pandava force.