Bhagavad Gita 1.10

 

Understanding Bhagavad Gita 1.10: The Strength of the Armies

Sanskrit Verse

अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् |
पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् || 1.10 ||

Transliteration

Aparyāptaṁ tad asmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam |
Paryāptaṁ tvidam eteṣāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣitam ||

English Translation

"Our army, protected by Bhishma, is immeasurable, whereas their army, protected by Bhima, is limited."

Hindi Meaning:

हमारी सेना, जो भीष्म द्वारा संरक्षित है, असीमित है,

जबकि उनकी सेना, भीम द्वारा संरक्षित, सीमित है। 

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Context and Meaning

This verse is spoken by Duryodhana in the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, as he assesses the strength of the two armies on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Duryodhana, the prince of the Kauravas, is addressing his teacher, Dronacharya, trying to boost the morale of his warriors while also expressing his concerns.

He compares the strength of the two sides:

• He claims that the Kaurava army, led by the formidable Bhishma, is "immeasurable" (aparyāptaṁ). This is an attempt to highlight Bhishma's invincible strength and the numerical superiority of the Kaurava forces.
• He then states that the Pandava army, led by Bhima, is "limited" (paryāptaṁ), implying that it is not as powerful as theirs.

However, this statement is somewhat contradictory because Duryodhana knows that the Pandavas, despite having fewer soldiers, possess highly skilled warriors and Krishna’s divine support.

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Deeper Interpretation

1. Duryodhana’s Overconfidence and Fear
   While Duryodhana tries to project confidence, his words reveal an underlying fear. He knows that the Pandavas, though fewer in number, have superior warriors like Arjuna and Bhima, and more importantly, Lord Krishna himself. His attempt to motivate his army also indicates his anxiety about the battle's outcome.

2. The Role of Leadership in Battle
   Bhishma was indeed a great warrior, but he was bound by his duty to fight for the Kauravas, despite his heart being with the Pandavas. On the other hand, Bhima, though not as strategic as Bhishma, fought with full dedication for justice. True strength comes not just from numbers but from the righteousness of the cause.

3. Spiritual Symbolism

• "Aparyāptaṁ" (immeasurable) represents material strength, which can seem vast but is ultimately unreliable.
• "Paryāptaṁ" (limited) represents strength guided by righteousness, which may seem small but is spiritually powerful.
• This verse reminds us that even if one appears to have fewer resources, strength based on truth and dharma (righteousness) is always superior.

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Conclusion

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita highlights the contrast between superficial power and true strength. While Duryodhana boasts about his vast army, he fails to recognize the Pandavas' moral and divine advantage. The lesson here is that righteousness and divine support outweigh sheer numbers and ego-driven confidence. In our lives, too, it is not the size of our resources but the strength of our conviction and integrity that determines success.