Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23 Meaning

For I desire to observe those who are assembled here to fight, wishing to please in battle the evil-minded Duryodhana—the son of Dhritarashtra.

BG 1.23

योत्स्यमानानवेक्षेऽहं य एतेऽत्र समागताः। धार्तराष्ट्रस्य दुर्बुद्धेर्युद्धे प्रियचिकीर्षवः

yotsyamānān avekṣhe ’haṁ ya ete ’tra samāgatāḥ dhārtarāṣhṭrasya durbuddher yuddhe priya-chikīrṣhavaḥ

Meaning

For I desire to observe those who are assembled here to fight, wishing to please in battle the evil-minded Duryodhana—the son of Dhritarashtra.

Available in 28 languages

Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: For I desire to observe those who are assembled here to fight, wishing to please in battle the evil-minded Duryodhana—the son of Dhritarashtra.

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 1.23?
For I desire to observe those who are assembled here to fight, wishing to please in battle the evil-minded Duryodhana—the son of Dhritarashtra. This verse emphasizes moral dilemma with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 1.23 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."

Read in Other Languages

EnglishHindiMarathiGujarati
← Back to Chapter 1: Arjuna's Dilemma

Build a daily reading habit with Nitya

Get the Free App