Mahabharata – Chapter 7: Bhagavad Gita

Bhagavad Gita

Tempered in the fire of exile, the Pandavas arrived at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Armies were arrayed, Duryodhana, with his vast army, was intoxicated with victory. Yudhishthira remained steadfast on the path of Dharma, but a deep conflict raged in Arjuna's mind. Now, the moment had arrived when Arjuna had to lift his Gandiva, but his hands trembled, his mind was clouded with questions.

Arjuna's Delusion

The battlefield of Kurukshetra echoed with the roars of warriors. Conches and drums sounded from both sides. Arjuna ordered his charioteer Krishna to take the chariot between the two armies. As the chariot reached the center, Arjuna saw his grandfather Bhishma, his guru Dronacharya, and his cousins before him. Delusion overcame his mind. The Gandiva slipped from his hands, and he sat on the floor of the chariot, his face filled with despair. Tears streamed from his eyes; he was unaware of his duty.

Arjuna said, "O Krishna, how can I shoot arrows at my gurus and relatives? This war will bring me not victory, but sin. I cannot destroy my own lineage for kingdom and pleasure. I do not want to fight; I want liberation from this war." His words were filled with pain and regret.

Krishna's Discourse

Seeing Arjuna in delusion, Lord Krishna showed him the path of knowledge with his divine voice. He instructed Arjuna on Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga. He explained that one should perform their duties selflessly, without concern for the fruits of their actions. He stated that the soul is immortal, and death is merely the end of the body, not the soul. Krishna explained to Arjuna that fighting to protect Dharma is his duty, and he should not turn away from his actions. He told him that this war is between Dharma and Adharma, and he should side with Dharma.

Krishna said, "Arjuna, it is your Dharma to stand with truth and destroy unrighteousness. You are merely an instrument. Act, do not worry about the results. In this war, you are not killing your family members, but unrighteousness." Krishna's words were like nectar; they entered Arjuna's heart.

Vision of the Universal Form

After imparting knowledge to Arjuna, Lord Krishna showed him his Universal Form. Arjuna saw Krishna's form, in which the entire universe was contained. He saw that all gods, demons, planets, stars, and time were also encompassed within Him. This sight was so terrifying and wondrous that Arjuna was filled with fear and awe. He fell at Krishna's feet, begged for forgiveness, and prayed for Him to assume his gentle form. The vision of this Universal Form dispelled all of Arjuna's delusion, and he became aware of his duty.

Arjuna said with folded hands, "O Lord, I did not know your glory. Today I have seen your divine form, and my ignorance has been removed. Now I understand that this war is not just mine, but for the establishment of Dharma. You are the sustainer of this world, and I am in your refuge." Krishna smiled and assured Arjuna, saying that He was always with him.

Towards Kurukshetra

Arjuna's mind was now calm with the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita. He picked up his Gandiva, strung his bow, and prepared for battle. He was now a warrior, ready to fight for Dharma. The battlefield of Kurukshetra was ready for war, and now the decisive battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas was about to take place, which changed the history of the entire Indian subcontinent. In the next chapter, we will witness the battle of Kurukshetra, where a great war will take place between Dharma and Adharma, and truth will triumph.