Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 47 Meaning

Sanjaya said, Having thus spoken in the midst of the battlefield, Arjuna cast away his bow and arrow and, his mind overwhelmed with sorrow, sat down on the seat of the chariot.

BG 1.47

सञ्जय उवाच एवमुक्त्वाऽर्जुनः संख्ये रथोपस्थ उपाविशत्। विसृज्य सशरं चापं शोकसंविग्नमानसः

sañjaya uvācha evam uktvārjunaḥ saṅkhye rathopastha upāviśhat visṛijya sa-śharaṁ chāpaṁ śhoka-saṁvigna-mānasaḥ

Meaning

Sanjaya said, Having thus spoken in the midst of the battlefield, Arjuna cast away his bow and arrow and, his mind overwhelmed with sorrow, sat down on the seat of the chariot.

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What Does Bhagavad Gita 1.47 Mean?

This verse carries the weight of lived truth. Sanjaya said, Having thus spoken in the midst of the battlefield, Arjuna cast away his bow and arrow and, his mind overwhelmed with sorrow, sat down on the seat of the chariot. In the context of confronting the reality of fighting one's own family and teachers, these words illuminate the principle of compassion from a perspective that complements the surrounding verses.

The connection between compassion and grief that this verse draws is central to the Gita's vision. Unlike traditions that separate the spiritual from the practical, Krishna consistently shows that genuine understanding must express itself in how we live, relate, and act. The practical invitation is to hold this verse as a mirror. Where in your life does the principle of compassion feel most challenging? That is precisely where the teaching has the most to offer.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

What Is the Context of Bhagavad Gita 1.47?

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.

How Can I Apply Bhagavad Gita 1.47 in Daily Life?

  • 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 1.47?
This verse carries the weight of lived truth. Sanjaya said, Having thus spoken in the midst of the battlefield, Arjuna cast away his bow and arrow and, his mind overwhelmed with sorrow, sat down on the seat of the chariot. In the context of confronting the reality of fighting one's own family and...
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 1.47 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.

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← Back to Chapter 1: Arjuna's Dilemma

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