Kurukshetra War Story – Chapter 4: Arjuna's Despair

Arjuna's Despair

In the previous chapter, we saw both armies facing each other on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This gathering of vast armies was filled with fear and apprehension of war. Yudhishthira prepared his army for the fierce battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and now in this chapter, we will witness the despair that engulfs Arjuna at the beginning of the war.

The Web of Delusion

After the conch shells fell silent, Arjuna asked Lord Krishna to drive the chariot between the two armies so that he could see against whom he had to fight. As the chariot reached the middle of both armies, Arjuna opened his eyes, and the sight he beheld was heart-wrenching. He saw his grandfather Bhishma, his guru Dronacharya, his uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, and other loved ones arrayed for battle. His heart was filled with grief and delusion.

Arjuna's body began to tremble, and the Gandiva bow slipped from his hands. "O Krishna," Arjuna said, "how can I participate in this war to kill my own elders and kinsmen? My mind is agitated, and I cannot fight this war." A deep shadow of despair and anguish was on his face, and tears welled up in his eyes.

The Blow to Discernment

Arjuna placed his Gandiva bow on the floor of the chariot and sat down. He said, "I have no desire for kingdom, happiness, or victory. I do not wish to rule over land stained with the blood of my loved ones." His heart was filled with deep sorrow. He was distressed by the thought of how many innocent people would be killed in this war. He asked Krishna to guide him, as he felt completely confused and disheartened.

Lord Krishna looked at Arjuna patiently. An ocean of compassion and wisdom was reflected in His eyes. He explained to Arjuna that it is the duty of a Kshatriya to fight, and he should not deviate from his duty. He also reminded him that the soul is immortal and the body is mortal, so he should not fear death. Krishna's love and wisdom began to instill peace in Arjuna's heart.

Laying Down Arms

Arjuna, overcome by delusion, refuses to fight. He laid down his weapons and sat in the chariot, filled with despair and grief. His heart was heavy, and his mind was filled with thoughts of the consequences of the war. He prayed to Lord Krishna to show him the right path. Seeing Arjuna in this state, Lord Krishna became concerned.

Lord Krishna explained to Arjuna that this war was necessary to protect Dharma. He told Arjuna about Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, and imparted the knowledge of how to perform one's actions without attachment to the fruits thereof. This knowledge began to calm Arjuna's mind. It is from here that Lord Krishna begins to impart the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, which will offer a new philosophy to the world.