Bhagavad Gita 1: The Yoga of Arjuna’s Despondency
The journey into the "Song of God" begins with chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita: The Yoga of Arjuna’s Despondency (Arjun Vishada Yoga). Set upon the sacred plain of Kurukshetra, this chapter sets the stage for one of the world's most profound spiritual dialogues.
We witness Arjuna, the great warrior, paralyzed by a moral crisis as he faces his own kin on the battlefield. This "despondency" is not merely a historical event but a symbol of the inner conflict we all face when our duty (Dharma) clashes with our attachments.
Under the guidance of Pedro Nonell, a Spanish expert on the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, and the profound teachings of and Swami Vivekananda, we explore why Arjuna’s collapse was the necessary catalyst for God to impart the eternal wisdom of the Gita.
Arjuna's refusal to fight and his collapse prompted Krishna to impart his teachings (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1)
Now you are ready to begin the study of Chapter 1-The Yoga of the Despondency of Arjuna of the Bhagavad Gita.
The main objective is to reflect on Arjuna's refusal to fight against his relatives and his collapse, which prompted Sri Krishna to impart his teachings.
Important points from chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita:
- Description of the warriors of the two armies (verses 1-11)
- Conch sounds of the two armies (verses 12-19)
- Arjuna examines the armies (verses 20-27)
- Arjuna's Dejection (verses 28-47)
All of us, at some point in our lives, have to face a dilemma similar to that of Arjuna, that of the inner struggle between good and evil
Syllabus of Chapter 1
- Introduction and summary of Chapter 1- The Yoga of the Despondency (depression) of Arjuna (Arjun Vishada Yoga)
- Chapter 1 reading Yoga Arjuna’s Despondency (Gandhi's Gita, ):
- Key topics of chapter Arjuna Vishada Yoga:
- Verses 1-11: describes the warriors of the two armies at the Battle of Kurukshetra (the field of duty)
- Verses 12-19: fear between the two armies before the start of the battle announced by the conch shells
- Verses 20-27: Arjuna places his chariot between the two armies to examine them
- Verses 28-47: Arjuna's collapse and his reasons for not fighting
- Reading the versified adaptation of this chapter
- Analysis of each verse and its comments from chapter 1 (Gita Makaranadam)
- Readings by Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna related to the Chapter 1- The Yoga of Arjuna’s Despondency
- Exercises of chapter 1 Arjuna Vishada Yoga
Outline of Chapter 1:
Arjuna’s Despondency
Dhritarashtra, the blind King of the Kuru Kingdom has the honor of starting the Bhagavad Gita, he tells Sanjaya (Minister of the blind king of the Kauravas) what happens on the battlefield:
Duryodhana (Kaurava) is the Crown Prince of the Kuru Kingdom, he is bloodthirsty and cruel. He is the second character to come into action in the Bhagavad Gita. Sanjaya says:
Drona is the Master of Arjuna and Duryodhana.
While the two armies were formed ready for battle, Arjuna asked Sri Krishna to place his chariot between them to see their opponents:
Sanjaya: “Then, O king, Arjuna, seeing the sons of Dhritarashtra prepared and the flight of the arrows about to begin, took his bow and spoke thus to Sri Krishna: “Place my chariot between the two armies.” Bhagavad Gita 1.20-21.
Arjuna was bewildered by the scene before him, for he saw on both sides, fathers and grandfathers, teachers and uncles; to in-laws, grandchildren, relatives and comrades. Confusion reigned in his mind:
Sanjaya: “Then Arjuna saw grandfathers, ancestors, uncles and friends standing there in both armies. Seeing them all lined up before him, great compassion came over Arjuna and he spoke anguished thus:” Bhagavad Gita 1.26-27.
As these thoughts stirred in his mind, a feeling of despondency came over Arjuna.
Should I participate in this terrible carnage? Was it appropriate to kill one's relatives for the sake of a kingdom and some pleasures? Wouldn't it be much better for him to hand over everything to his enemies and retire in peace?
Arjuna: “I seek neither victory, nor power, nor earthly pleasures. Of what use to us, O Krishna, is earthly power, worldly pleasures and even life?” Bhagavad Gita 1 -32.
Arjuna could not participate in this battle.
He let his bow slip from his hands and could do nothing but turn to Sri Krishna for guidance and enlightenment.
Sanjaya: “Thus spoke Arjuna on the battlefield, and dropping his bow and arrows, he collapsed on the seat of his chariot, overcome with anguish” Bhagavad Gita 1.47.
The Voice of the Swamis
“The great war of the Mahabharata
between the Pandavas and the Kauravas took place on the sacred plain of
Kurukshetra. After the failure of Lord Krishna's peace mission, when He Himself
went to Hastinapura as an emissary of the Pandavas; there was no alternative for
the Pandavas but to fight for their rightful share of the kingdom.
All the famous warriors of both armies had gathered on the battlefield. Tents,
weapons and war machines, chariots and animals covered the vast plain. Lord
Krishna appeared in a magnificent chariot drawn by white horses. He had to act
as the charioteer of Arjuna, one of the Pandava princes. The roar of hundreds of
conch shells, which were suddenly heard, announced the beginning of the battle.
Arjuna blew his conch shell Devadatta, while Bhima, his brother, blew Paundra.
All the other great warriors blew their respective conches. While the two armies were formed ready for battle, Arjuna asked Krishna to place his chariot between
them to see his opponents.
Arjuna was bewildered by the scene before him, for he saw on both sides, fathers and grandfathers, teachers and uncles; to in-laws, grandchildren, relatives and
comrades. Confusion reigned in his mind.
Should he participate in this terrible carnage? Was it appropriate to kill one's relatives for the sake of a kingdom and some pleasures? Wouldn't it be much
better for him to hand over everything to his enemies and retire in peace?
As these thoughts stirred in his mind, a feeling of despondency came over
Arjuna. He could not participate in this battle. “He let the bow slip from his hands and could do nothing but turn to Lord Krishna for guidance and
enlightenment.
For :
“On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna illuminated Arjuna showing his many forms. Arjuna visualized and felt fear by seeing the entire universe in the body of Sri Krishna and also by seeing the Fire of Doom” Dr. Dantu Muralikrishna.
Don't Focuses in Sanskrit Terms
Many people new to the study of the Bhagavad Gita are overwhelmed by the number of Sanskrit terms they will find in this first chapter. Don't be discouraged, in the footers you will find the meaning of these terms. In any case, the important thing is not to memorize them, but to understand the causes of Arjuna's discouragement and collapse in the face of a transcendental decision.
If you overcome this small obstacle, you will access the profound wisdom emanating from the Bhagavad Gita.
Next, we will read the versified version of Chapter 1 - Arjuna's Yoga of Discouragement, much easier to read and which will help you synthesize the main teachings of this chapter.
To finish the subject, it is essential to critically re-read Chapter 1 and meditate on its teachings.
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of the "Field of Dharma" in Chapter 1?
The battlefield, Kurukshetra, is called Dharmakshetra (the field of Dharma). It represents the human mind and the world where the constant struggle between righteous impulses and selfish desires takes place.
Why did Arjuna collapse if he was a great warrior?
Arjuna’s collapse was caused by "moha" (delusion) and attachment to his relatives. He saw only the physical destruction of his kin, losing sight of the higher spiritual purpose and his duty as a warrior for justice.
Is this chapter only about war?
While the setting is a war, the teachings are universal. The "war" is a metaphor for the difficult decisions we face in life. As Pedro Nonell explains, Arjuna's doubt is the starting point for anyone seeking the truth about life and God.
How does Pedro Nonell interpret this chapter?
Pedro Nonell, drawing from the tradition of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna, emphasizes that Arjuna’s crisis is the first step toward spiritual awakening. Without recognizing our own "despondency" or confusion, we cannot truly seek the light of Knowledge.
Conclusion
Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita serves as a powerful mirror to the human condition. It shows us that even the most courageous among us can be brought to their knees by grief and moral uncertainty.
However, as we see in Arjuna's surrender to Sri Krishna, this moment of total collapse is actually the threshold of wisdom.
By studying the despondency of Arjuna through the expert lens of Pedro Nonell, we learn that our own moments of doubt are opportunities to turn toward God for guidance. The "Yoga of Despondency" teaches us that when we reach the end of our own strength, we are finally ready to listen to the eternal Truth.
Yoga del Desaliento of Arjuna 
Ioga do Desânimo of Arjuna.
Chapter 1 verse 1 (Swami Vidya Prakashananda) of Swami Vidya Prakashananda
Chapter 1 verse 47 (Gita Makaranadam by Swami Vidya Prakashananda)
Sankhya Philosophy of Yoga, Karma Yoga (Vivekananda), Paths of Yoga, Sankhya Yoga (Philosophy), Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga, Renunciation of action, Gita and business
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
