Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 7

English Translation

But, O best among the Brahmanas, please be appraised of those who are foremost among us, the ?nders of my army. I speak of them to you by way of example.

Detailed Commentary

**Commentary on 1.7:** "'Asmākaṁ tu viśiṣṭā ye tānnibodha dvijottama' - Duryodhana says to Dronacharya, 'O best among the *dvijas*! Just as there are excellent *maharathis* in the Pandavas' army, so too in our army, there are *maharathis* who are no less, in fact, possessing even greater distinction than them. Please apprehend them as well.'" The verbs 'paśya' (behold) in the third verse and 'nibodha' (apprehend) here imply that since the Pandavas' army stands before them, Duryodhana says 'paśya' (behold). But his own army is behind Dronacharya's back, therefore, to draw attention to it, he says 'nibodha' (pay attention). "'Nāyakā mama sainyasya sañjñārthaṁ tānbravīmi te' - 'The distinct commanders in my army, I shall tell you their names to remind you.'" The word 'sañjñārtham' implies that we have many commanders, how can I name them all? Therefore, I will only allude to them, as you already know them all. From this verse, Duryodhana's sentiment appears to be that their side is not weak. However, one should not be proud of one's own side, no matter how weak the enemy may be. For caution, I spoke of their army, and now I am speaking of my own. The second implication is that upon seeing the Pandava army, Duryodhana was impressed and somewhat frightened. The Pandava side consisted of righteous men and *Bhagavan* Himself, who inspire awe. The influence of *Dharma* and *Bhagavan* extends to every person, animal, bird, tree, and creeper, because They are eternal, whereas material powers are transient. Therefore, the Pandava army had an effect on Duryodhana. But trusting in material strength, he reassures Dronacharya by saying that their side possesses greater distinction than the Pandavas' army. Hence, they can easily defeat them.