Bhagavad Gita 1.27

 

Bhagavad Gita Verse 1.27 – Arjuna’s Emotional Turmoil

Verse 1.27 (Sanskrit & Translation)

तन् समीक्ष्य स कौन्तेयः सर्वान् बन्धून् अवस्थितान् |
कृपया परयाविष्टो विषीदन्न् इदम् अब्रवीत् ||

Translation:

"Seeing all his kinsmen standing in battle formation, Arjuna, the son of Kunti, was overwhelmed with deep compassion and spoke in deep sorrow."

"अपने समस्त स्वजनों को युद्ध में खड़े देखकर कुन्तीपुत्र अर्जुन अत्यन्त करुणा से भर गये और अत्यन्त दुःखी होकर बोले।"

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Understanding the Context

This verse is part of the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, known as the Arjuna Vishada Yoga (The Yoga of Arjuna’s Dejection). The great Kurukshetra war is about to begin, and Arjuna, the mighty warrior of the Pandavas, is standing on the battlefield. When he looks around, he sees his own relatives, teachers, and friends on both sides, ready to fight to the death.

At this moment, Arjuna experiences an intense emotional conflict. He is overcome with compassion (kripayā parayā āviṣṭaḥ), and sorrow (viṣīdan) grips his heart. His mind wavers, and he begins to question the righteousness of war.

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Significance of Verse 1.27

This verse marks the beginning of Arjuna’s internal crisis, which ultimately leads to the revelation of the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings by Lord Krishna. It highlights several key themes:

1. The Emotional Struggle of a Warrior

Arjuna, known for his valor and strength, is suddenly overtaken by emotions. His love for his family and sense of morality make him hesitant to engage in battle. This reflects the inner turmoil faced by many individuals when confronted with difficult moral choices.

2. Compassion vs. Duty

Arjuna’s compassion (kripa) is a natural human response, but at this moment, it causes confusion in his duty (dharma). The Gita later teaches that compassion must be balanced with wisdom to ensure that it does not lead to inaction.

3. The Turning Point

This verse sets the stage for the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. It is from this point onward that Arjuna, in his despair, turns to Krishna for guidance. Krishna’s response in the subsequent chapters leads Arjuna toward self-realization and duty-driven action (karma yoga).

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Lessons from Bhagavad Gita Verse 1.27

1. Emotions are natural but should not cloud judgment. Arjuna’s compassion is noble, but he needs Krishna’s wisdom to understand his true duty.
2. Confusion is an opportunity for wisdom. Arjuna’s moment of doubt leads to one of the greatest spiritual discourses in history.
3. Spiritual guidance is crucial in times of crisis. Just as Arjuna turned to Krishna, we too must seek wisdom when facing dilemmas in life.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Verse 1.27 is a powerful moment that captures Arjuna’s humanity. It reminds us that even the strongest individuals face doubts, but with the right guidance, they can overcome their fears and fulfill their true purpose. This verse serves as the starting point for Krishna’s divine wisdom, which leads Arjuna from confusion to clarity, and from sorrow to action.