Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 20 Meaning

Then, seeing the people of Dhritarashtra's party standing arrayed and the discharge of weapons about to begin, Arjuna, the son of Pandu whose ensign was a monkey, took up his bow and said the following to Krishna, O Lord of the Earth.

BG 1.20

अथ व्यवस्थितान् दृष्ट्वा धार्तराष्ट्रान्कपिध्वजः। प्रवृत्ते शस्त्रसंपाते धनुरुद्यम्य पाण्डवः

atha vyavasthitān dṛiṣhṭvā dhārtarāṣhṭrān kapi-dhwajaḥ pravṛitte śhastra-sampāte dhanurudyamya pāṇḍavaḥ hṛiṣhīkeśhaṁ tadā vākyam idam āha mahī-pate

Meaning

Then, seeing the people of Dhritarashtra's party standing arrayed and the discharge of weapons about to begin, Arjuna, the son of Pandu whose ensign was a monkey, took up his bow and said the following to Krishna, O Lord of the Earth.

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: Then, seeing the people of Dhritarashtra's party standing arrayed and the discharge of weapons about to begin, Arjuna, the son of Pandu whose ensign was a monkey, took up his bow and said the following to Krishna, O Lord of the Earth.

In Arjuna's Dilemma (Arjuna Visada Yoga), Krishna explains Arjuna's moral crisis on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where he must fight against his own relatives, teachers, and friends.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

Arjuna's moral crisis on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where he must fight against his own relatives, teachers, and friends.

Key themes in this chapter include Moral dilemma, Family duty, Compassion.

When to Apply This Verse

  • •When you need steadiness while dealing with moral dilemma
  • •When practicing family duty amid uncertainty
  • •When applying compassion to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 1.20?
Then, seeing the people of Dhritarashtra's party standing arrayed and the discharge of weapons about to begin, Arjuna, the son of Pandu whose ensign was a monkey, took up his bow and said the following to Krishna, O Lord of the Earth. This verse emphasizes moral dilemma with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 1.20 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on family duty and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 1.1

Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"

BG 1.28

Arjuna said, "O Krishna, seeing my kinsmen arrayed here, eager to fight,

BG 2.11

The Blessed Lord said, "You have grieved for those who should not be grieved for; yet, you speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead."

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← Back to Chapter 1: Arjuna's Dilemma

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