Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 30

English Translation

Moreover, O Kesava (Krsna), I am not able to stand firmly, and my mind seems to be whirling. And I notice the omens to be adverse.

Detailed Commentary

**1.30** Commentary: Regarding the phrase, 'Drishtvemum Svajanam Krishna Yuyutsum Samupasthitam' (Seeing these my kinsmen, O Krishna, eager for battle, arrayed), the name 'Krishna' was very dear to Arjuna. This address appears nine times in the Gita. No other name for Bhagavan Shri Krishna has been used as frequently. Similarly, the name 'Partha' was dear to Bhagavan. Hence, they addressed each other by these names, and this fact was well-known among people. For this reason, Sanjaya mentions the names 'Krishna' and 'Partha' at the end of the Gita: 'Yatra Yogeshwarah Krishno Yatra Partho Dhanurdharah' (18.78). Dhritarashtra had earlier said 'samaveta yuyutsavah' (assembled, eager to fight), and here Arjuna has also said 'yuyutsum samupasthitam' (eager for battle, assembled), but there is a significant difference in their perspectives. In Dhritarashtra's view, Duryodhana and others are his sons, and Yudhishthira and others are Pandu's sons; hence, he used 'mamakah' (my people) and 'Pandavah' (Pandu's sons). But Arjuna does not perceive this distinction; therefore, he used 'svajanam' (my kinsmen), which includes people from both sides. Dhritarashtra fears the death of his own sons in battle, whereas Arjuna grieves the death of relatives from both sides. Thus far, the word 'Drishtva' (having seen) has appeared three times: 'Drishtva tu Pandavanikam' (1.2), 'Vyavasthitan Drishtva Dhartarashtran' (1.20), and here 'Drishtvemum Svajanam' (1.28). The implication of these three instances is that Duryodhana's perspective remained consistent, driven by a martial spirit; however, Arjuna's perception became twofold. Initially, upon seeing Dhritarashtra's sons, he was filled with valor and raised his bow for battle; now, upon seeing his kinsmen, he is filled with despondency, and his bow is beginning to slip from his hand. Regarding 'Seedanti mama gatraani... Bhramativa cha me manah' (My limbs are failing... and my mind is as if reeling), in Arjuna's mind, there was anxiety and sorrow regarding the potential consequences of the war. This is affecting his entire body. Arjuna says that his limbs are growing weak, his mouth is parching, speech is becoming difficult, his entire body is trembling, his hair is standing on end, and even the Gandiva bow is slipping from his hand! His entire body is burning. His mind is bewildered; that is, he cannot discern what to do. He feels that he cannot stand upon the chariot on the battlefield and will fall unconscious. Even standing in such a battle feels like a sin. Connection: After describing the symptoms of grief in his body in the previous verse, Arjuna is now explaining the impropriety of engaging in war from the perspective of omens.