The Moral Dilemma of Arjuna and the Prelude to the Kurukshetra War (Topic 1) – Bhagvad Gita (IFVS)

In this lecture we shall deal with Dilemma of Arjuna which may happen in eevryone's life. The Duryodhana, seeing the Pandava army, approached Dronacharya and expressed concern about their strength. He highlighted the formidable warriors on the Pandava side, including Bhima, Arjuna, and their allies. Duryodhana then instructed his commanders to protect Bhishma, believing their army was invincible under his command.
The Pandavas and Kauravas blew their conches, signaling the start of the Kurukshetra War. Arjuna, overwhelmed with compassion, requested Krishna to park his chariot between the two armies. Upon seeing his relatives and friends on both sides, Arjuna was filled with sorrow and doubt, questioning the morality of the war.
Arjuna expresses reluctance to engage in battle against his kinsmen, fearing the consequences of their deaths. He questions the value of victory and kingdom, contemplating the moral implications of the conflict. Arjuna believes that killing his relatives will lead to societal downfall, disrupting eternal family values and causing widespread suffering.
Arjuna, expressing his views, occupied the back seat of the chariot, leaving his arms and becoming bemoaned.

Key-points

1. Dhritarashtra’s Inquiry: Dhritarashtra inquires about the actions of his sons and the Pandavas before the war.
2. Sañjaya’s Description: Sañjaya describes Duryodhana’s reaction to seeing the Pandavas’ army and his subsequent conversation with Drona.
3. Duryodhana’s Concern: Duryodhana expresses concern to Drona about the strength and arrangement of the Pandavas’ army.
4. Pandava Army’s Strength: The army is composed of mighty warriors, including Bhima and Arjuna, who are skilled in battle.
5. Notable Warriors: Yuyudhāna, Virāṭa, Drupada, Dhṛṣṭaketu, Chekitāna, King of Kāśī, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, Saibya, Yudhāmanyu, Vikrānta, Uttamaujā, Saubhadra, and the Draupadeyas are all mentioned as skilled warriors.
6. Formation’s Creator: The formation was arranged by Drupada’s son, who is a talented disciple.
7. Notable Warriors: Yudhāmanyu, Uttamaujā, Abhimanyu, and the sons of Draupadī.
8. Commanders of the Army: Bhīṣma, Karṇa, Kṛpa, Aśvatthāmā, Vikarṇa, and the son of Somadatta.
9. Other Brave Warriors: Many others who have dedicated their lives to the cause and are skilled in various weapons.
10. Army Strength: The speaker’s army, led by Bhīṣma, is invincible, while the opposing army, led by Bhīma, is easily conquerable.
11. Commander’s Importance: The speaker emphasizes the importance of protecting Bhīṣma, their commander, at all costs.
12. Bhīṣma’s Action: Bhīṣma, the speaker’s grandfather, inspires the troops by blowing a conch shell loudly.
13. Bhishma’s Announcement: Bhishma announced the start of the battle with a mighty roar and a conch blow, bringing joy to Duryodhana.
14. Battle Commencement: The battle commenced with a tremendous commotion of conches, kettle-drums, cymbals, drums, and trumpets.
15. Krishna and Arjuna’s Conches: Krishna and Arjuna, seated in a grand chariot, blew their divine conches, Panchajanya and Devadatta respectively.
16. Conch Names: Krishna blew Pāñcajanya, Arjuna blew Devadatta, Bhīma blew Pauṇḍra, Yudhiṣṭhira blew Anantavijaya, Nakula blew Sughoṣa, and Sahadeva blew Maṇipuṣpaka.
17. Warriors Blowing Conches: King Yudhiṣṭhira, Nakula, Sahadeva, King of Kāśī, Śikhaṇḍī, Dhṛṣṭdyumna, Virāṭa, Sātyaki, Drupada, Draupadeya, and Arjuna.
18. Purpose of Blowing Conches: The warriors blew their conches before the battle.
19. Conch Blowing: The Pandavas and their allies blew their conches, striking fear into the hearts of the Kauravas.
20. Arjuna’s Preparation: Arjuna, seeing the Kauravas ready for battle, asked Krishna to position their chariot between the two armies.
21. Arjuna’s Request: Arjuna wanted to observe the Kaurava warriors before engaging in battle.
22. Arjuna’s Request: Arjuna asked Krishna to park his chariot between the two armies to observe the warriors.
23. Reason for Request: Arjuna wanted to see who would fight for Duryodhana, the crooked one.
24. Krishna’s Action: Krishna parked Arjuna’s chariot between the two armies as requested.
25. Chariot Positioning: Krishna parked the chariot between the two armies at Arjuna’s request.
26. Addressing Arjuna: Krishna asked Arjuna to observe the assembled Kuru army.
27. Arjuna’s Sighting: Arjuna saw his relatives, teachers, and friends on both sides of the battlefield.
28. Arjuna’s Sorrow: Arjuna is filled with compassion and sorrow upon seeing his relatives on both sides of the battlefield.
29. Physical and Mental State: Arjuna’s body trembles, his mouth dries, and his mind reels from the prospect of fighting.
30. Weapon and Resolve: Arjuna’s bow, Gandiva, falls from his hand, and he feels unable to maintain his composure.
31. Arjuna’s Physical and Mental State: Arjuna is physically and mentally distraught, unable to steady himself and experiencing giddiness.
32. Arjuna’s Doubts and Despair: Arjuna sees bad omens and questions the value of victory, kingdom, and pleasure, expressing a lack of desire for them.
33. Arjuna’s Dilemma: Arjuna is torn between fighting and the consequences of killing his kinsmen, highlighting his moral dilemma.
34. Arjuna’s Reluctance to Fight: Arjuna expresses hesitation to engage in battle against his relatives, even for the sake of kingdom or pleasure.
35. Arjuna’s Compassion: Arjuna questions the value of victory if it means killing his own kin, highlighting his compassion and moral dilemma.
36. Arjuna’s Dilemma: Arjuna seeks guidance from Krishna, torn between his duty as a warrior and his love for his family.
37. Arjuna’s Dilemma: Arjuna is conflicted about fighting against his kinsmen, questioning the morality of the war.
38. Consequences of Family Destruction: Arjuna believes that fighting will lead to the downfall of family values and societal order.
39. Impact on Women: Arjuna fears that the war will result in the humiliation of women and societal corruption.
40. Consequence of Intermarriage: Intermarriage leads to the downfall of families and their destructors, causing elders to suffer.
41. Impact on Social Values: Destructive forces erode eternal human and family values.
42. Downfall of Those with Eroded Values: People with eroded family values are destined for downfall in their next life.
43. Arjuna’s Despair: Arjuna expresses his desire to be killed by the Kauravas rather than fight them.
44. Reason for Despair: Arjuna is overwhelmed with sorrow and conflicted about the war.
45. Arjuna’s Action: Arjuna abandons his weapons and sits down in the chariot, consumed by grief.

MCQ

1.   Who asked Sanjaya about the events on the battlefield of Kurukshetra?
A) Arjuna
B) Bhishma
C) Dhritarashtra
D) Duryodhana
Answer: C) Dhritarashtra
2.   Whom did Duryodhana approach after seeing the Pandava army's formation?
A) Bhishma
B) Karna
C) Dronacharya
D) Ashwatthama
Answer: C) Dronacharya
3.   Who arranged the Pandava army's formation according to Duryodhana?
A) Arjuna
B) Abhimanyu
C) Drupada's son
D) Krishna
Answer: C) Drupada's son
4. What was the name of Arjuna's conch?
A) Panchajanya
B) Devadatta
C) Anantavijaya
D) Paundra
Answer: B) Devadatta
5. Which Pandava’s conch was named Anantavijaya?
A) Bhima
B) Nakula
C) Sahadeva
D) Yudhishthira
Answer: D) Yudhishthira
6. How did Arjuna feel when he saw his kinsmen ready for battle?
A) Joyful and energetic
B) Neutral and composed
C) Compassionate and sorrowful
D) Excited for victory
Answer: C) Compassionate and sorrowful
7.   What did Arjuna request Krishna to do in the midst of the battlefield?
A) Start the battle
B) Move the chariot back
C) Place the chariot between the two armies
D) Blow the conch
Answer: C) Place the chariot between the two armies
8.   According to Arjuna\, what leads to the downfall of family traditions?
A) Victory in battle
B) Destruction of the family
C) Wealth and power
D) Following dharma
Answer: B) Destruction of the family
9.   What did Arjuna ultimately do after expressing his sorrow and doubts?
A) Fought bravely
B) Left the battlefield
C) Sat down in the chariot, laying aside his bow and arrows
D) Challenged Duryodhana to single combat
Answer: C) Sat down in the chariot, laying aside his bow and arrows
10. What was Arjuna’s main reason for his reluctance to fight the war?
A) Fear of losing
B) Desire for peace
C) Compassion for his kinsmen and the consequences of killing them
D) Lack of military strength
Answer: C) Compassion for his kinsmen and the consequences of killing them

Questions with Short Answers:

Q1: What dilemma does Arjuna face at the beginning of the first chapter?
A 1: Arjuna faces the dilemma of fighting against his own brothers and relatives, questioning the value of victory that comes at the cost of his loved ones.
Q2: Why does Arjuna consider withdrawing from the war?
A2: Arjuna considers withdrawing because he believes that the war will lead to chaos and grief, and personal achievements would be meaningless without his family to celebrate with.
Q3: What was Krishna's response to Arjuna's hesitation?
A3: Krishna advises Arjuna to fight for the safety and security of the nation, emphasizing that the war is not for personal gain but for the greater good.
Q4: Why was the nation not safe under Duryodhana's rule, according to Krishna?
A4: Duryodhana had no respect for women, misused power for personal benefit, and was influenced by anti-social elements like Śakuni, making him unfit to ensure the nation's security.
Q5: What is the significance of Krishna's guidance to Arjuna?
A5: Krishna's guidance highlights the importance of duty over personal emotions, advocating for the protection of national values and the eradication of destructive forces.

Questions with long Answers

1.   What is the central dilemma faced by Arjuna at the battlefield of Kurukshetra?
Arjuna's central dilemma arises from seeing his kinsmen, teachers, and friends as his opponents in the war. Witnessing the potential massacre of his loved ones, Arjuna is deeply moved, realizing that even if he gains the kingdom of Hastinapur and becomes the emperor of the world, it will be a hollow achievement without his dear ones to share in his success. This internal conflict leads him to question the righteousness and purpose of the war, as he fears it will plunge humanity into chaos rather than bring happiness.

2.   How does Krishna address Arjuna's concerns about fighting in the war?
Krishna guides Arjuna by explaining that the war is not for personal gain or happiness but for the safety and security of the nation. He emphasizes that the nation is unsafe under Duryodhana's rule, a man who disrespects women and is influenced by anti-social elements like Śakuni. Krishna argues that the survival and prosperity of the country are essential for the well-being of its citizens. Therefore, Arjuna must fight to uphold dharma, protect societal values, and ensure the security of women and humanity at large.
3.   What role does Duryodhana play in the conflict\, and how is he viewed by Krishna?
Duryodhana is portrayed as a ruler unfit to safeguard the nation. Krishna criticizes Duryodhana for his lack of respect towards women and his failure to make sound decisions, as he is manipulated by individuals like Śakuni. Krishna believes that Duryodhana's leadership endangers societal values and the nation's security, justifying the war as a means to eliminate such destructive influences and restore justice.
4.   How does Arjuna’s perception of victory change in the context of the war?
Arjuna initially views victory as a personal achievement tied to power and kingdom. However, when faced with the reality of fighting his own family, he realizes that victory achieved through the loss of loved ones holds no joy. This realization shifts his perception, making him question whether the pursuit of power is worth the immense personal and societal cost.
5.   According to Krishna\, why is the preservation of the nation more important than personal emotions in the context of war?
Krishna asserts that the nation's survival ensures the survival and prosperity of its citizens. Personal emotions and attachments, though significant, should not overshadow one's duty to protect the greater good. He stresses that upholding dharma, securing the nation, and protecting vulnerable sections of society, like women, are paramount responsibilities that transcend individual attachments and fears.