Chapter 1 • Verse 20

Arjuna Vishada Yoga

The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection

Sanskrit Verse

atha vyavasthitan drishtva dhartarashtran kapi-dhvajah, pravritte shastra-sampate dhanur udyamya pandavah

Translation & Meaning

At that point, seeing the sons of Dhritarashtra standing arrayed and the clash of weapons about to begin, Arjuna, whose chariot bore the emblem of Hanuman, lifted his bow. The moment of action has arrived, but Arjuna's subsequent response reveals that military readiness and moral readiness are not the same thing.

Key Teachings

  • •The emblem of Hanuman on Arjuna's chariot signifies devotion and strength as prerequisites for righteous action
  • •External readiness for conflict can coexist with deep internal uncertainty
  • •The moment before action is the most critical moment for self-examination

Topics

wardutymoral dilemmacourageconflict
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