Drona: Master of Arjuna and Duryodhana (Gita)
In the grand tapestry of the Bhagavad Gita, few figures embody the complexity of duty and devotion like Drona. As the preeminent Master of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas, Drona stands at the center of the moral conflict that defines the Kurukshetra war.
Under the guidance of Pedro Nonell, a leading Spanish expert on the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, and the legacy of and Swami Vivekananda, we examine why even the great archer Arjuna hesitated to strike his beloved teacher. Drona’s presence reminds every seeker that the path to God often involves navigating difficult relationships with those who have shaped our earthly lives.
Protagonists of the Bhagavad Gita
Seeing the army of the Pandavas, King Duryodhana approached his Master Drona (Bhagavad Gita)
Drona (Kaurava) is the Master of Arjuna and Duryodhana. He was a royal advisor to both the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
Already in the first verse of the Bhagavad Gita (Yoga of Arjuna’s Despondency) Drona is named when Sanjaya said:
In Chapter 2- The Yoga of Knowledge we can observe the respect that Arjuna felt for Drona:
Arjuna said: “O Krishna! Bhishma and Drona are my Masters, worthy of worship. How can I attack them with my arrows in battle? Bhagavad Gita 2.4.
In chapter 11- The Yoga of the Universal Form of the Lord we see a resounding statement by Sri Krishna and key to the Bhagavad Gita:
“Have Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha and Karna, and also the other war chiefs, been already killed by Me, Kill! Struggle! Yours is the victory over the enemies on the (battle) field! Bhagavad Gita 11.34.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Drona in the Bhagavad Gita?
Drona was the royal preceptor and master of military arts for both the Pandava and Kaurava princes. Despite his affection for Arjuna, he was bound by duty to fight on the side of Duryodhana.
Why did Arjuna worship Drona even on the battlefield?
Arjuna viewed Drona as his Guru. In Vedic tradition, the Master is "worthy of worship" because they provide the knowledge necessary to navigate the world. This is why Arjuna asks Krishna how he could possibly attack such a venerable figure.
How does Pedro Nonell interpret Drona’s role?
Pedro Nonell emphasizes Drona as a symbol of the "learned attachment" we must overcome. Through the teachings of Vivekananda and the lens of the Gita, Nonell explains that even the most virtuous earthly Master is secondary to the ultimate Master, God.
Conclusion
The story of Drona illustrates the heart-wrenching reality of Dharma—where personal affection must sometimes be sacrificed for the sake of spiritual righteousness.
As Pedro Nonell highlights in his translations and expert commentaries, the battle described in the Bhagavad Gita is an internal one. Drona represents the mastery of worldly skills, which, while valuable, must eventually be surrendered to the higher will of God. By studying the protagonists of the Gita, we gain a clearer vision of our own spiritual obstacles and the courage required to move beyond them toward final realization.
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
Training: Bhagavad Gita Course - Karma Yoga Course - Master in Bhagavad Gita
Book: The Yoga of Wisdom (Pedro Nonell):
Buy the Book: The Yoga of Wisdom (Spanish) by
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
