Chapter 1 • Verse 23

Arjuna Vishada Yoga

The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection

Sanskrit Verse

yotsyamanan avekshe 'ham ya ete 'tra samagatah, dhartarashtrasya durbuddher yuddhe priya-cikirsavah

Translation & Meaning

Arjuna says he wishes to look upon those who have assembled here desiring to please the evil-minded Dhritarashtra's son in battle. Even as he surveys the enemy, Arjuna's framing reveals his moral clarity about who is in the wrong — yet this clarity will be tested by the presence of beloved faces.

Key Teachings

  • Moral clarity about a cause does not eliminate the emotional pain of conflict
  • Those who serve an unjust master are themselves diminished by that service
  • Righteous anger at injustice must be tempered by compassion for persons

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