Translation by Rory Mackay
Please note, this first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is, at least initially, something of a free translation. My intent was to set the scene in a clear and accessible way for readers who perhaps aren’t familiar with the Mahabharata, of which the Gita is an intrinsic part. From midway on, the verses faithfully translate from the Sanskrit verses with changes made only for clarity or ease of understanding. This translation forms the basis of my book, “Bhagavad Gita: The Divine Song”, which includes an extensive and comprehensive commentary, using the teaching of the Gita to set out the entire fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta.
Chapter One: Arjuna’s Sorrow
1. On the morning of the battle, the sun edged above the horizon, streaking the sky with red and gold. Two vast and terrible armies, numbering almost four million warriors and soldiers, sprawled across the fields of Kurukshetra, the abode of dharma.
2-11. The largest of the two, the Kaurava army, stood facing West, commanded by the mighty Bhishma. The smaller army of the Pandavas faced East, led by Dhrishtadyumna.
Division after division of mighty warriors stood tall in golden chariots; their bows, maces, swords and lances glistening in the morning light. Men, horses and elephants filled the battlefield, clad in gold and bronze armour, banners waving in the wind.
12-19. With a roar, Bhishma raised his conch horn to his lips and sounded the war call. At that, the other Kauravas blew their conches, trumpets and cow horns and pounded at drums; a cacophony both tremendous and terrifying.
Arjuna, the Pandava prince, remained fearless and determined. Standing in a kingly gold chariot with his beloved mentor Krishna as charioteer, the prince raised his conch, Devadatta, to his lips. As he sounded the war cry, he was joined by Krishna, his brothers Bhima, Yudhisthira, Sahadeva and Nakula, and the other noble warriors gathered alongside them. The sound reverberated like thunder, piercing the hearts of all gathered upon the battlefield.
20-23. Arjuna then made a request of Krishna: “Take me forward, Krishna! Drive my chariot between the two armies. Let me see the faces of those I must fight.”
24-25. Krishna complied. With a tug of the reins, the white horses galloped ahead, sending a cloud of dust rising from the ground. The chariot came to a stop at the centre of the battlefield. Krishna said, “Behold the Kauravas.”
26-27. The moment Arjuna laid eyes on the men he was about to fight, his heart sank in horror. The opposing soldiers, armed to the hilt and ready to unleash the horrors of a war unlike any other, included many of his own family, friends and cherished teachers. His cousin, the twisted Duryodhana, had gathered Arjuna’s own relatives to fight against him.
28-29. Seized by compassion, Arjuna said sorrowfully, “Krishna, these men are my family. How can I fight them in battle?”A moment ago the Prince had stood ready to vanquish his opponents. He was a seasoned warrior; his entire life devoted to dharma and heroic sacrifice. He was not a man given to fear or distress. But the moment his eyes beheld the great and noble men standing ready to fight him, all certainty vanished.
30. Overcome by despair, the bow slipped from his hand. The moment his great bow, Gandiva, hit the ground, time seemed to freeze.
31-37. Arjuna said, “Krishna, I see no good in this fight! I have little desire for riches, kingdoms or worldly pleasures. For what use is a kingdom if I must slaughter my own uncles, teachers and family? I cannot bring myself to kill these men, Krishna, even if they are sworn to kill me! What kind of satisfaction would such a victory bring? How could we ever be happy having destroyed our own people?
38-44. “They are fighting on the wrong side surely, but I would be no better if I were to slay them in battle. I cannot kill my own family. Family means everything. If fathers, brothers, uncles and cousins take arms against each other, families are destroyed, dharma perishes and society degenerates into chaos.
45-46. “How can a man kill his own flesh and blood out of greed and desire for victory? I cannot do it, Krishna! I would sooner lay down my arms and allow the enemy to kill me.”
47. Having spoken these words, Arjuna sank down in his chariot, his heart overcome with anguish as he cast aside his bow and arrows. He had made his decision. He would not fight.
