Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 1
Arjuna's Dilemma
Arjuna Viṣāda Yoga
The conversation begins with a person who does not know what to do.
Bhagavad Gītā, Chapter 1 (traditional text)
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Story
What happens
Facing a devastating conflict, Arjuna surveys the battlefield and recognises family and teachers on both sides. His resolve collapses. He lowers his bow, describes the physical signs of his distress, and argues that victory bought at such a cost cannot be worth having. The chapter ends in silence rather than an answer.
Key ideas
What this chapter turns on
- Crisis
- Grief
- Duty
- Doubt
- Action
- Duty
Explore the verses
Verses from this chapter
Verses for this chapter haven’t been added to the library yet. Only sourced text is published here.
Understand
In plain language
Explanation — written by Frenly Divine, not scripture
Reflect
Something to sit with
- When have you had to act without being certain you were right?
- What does your body do when you are in genuine conflict?