1. What is the title of Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita?
A: The title is Arjuna Vishada Yoga, which means “The Yoga of Arjuna’s Dejection.”
2. Who begins the conversation in Chapter 1, and what is the question?
A: King Dhritarashtra begins the conversation by asking Sanjaya, “What did my sons and the sons of Pandu do after assembling on the battlefield of Kurukshetra?”
3. Who is Sanjaya, and how can he describe the battlefield?
A: Sanjaya is Dhritarashtra’s charioteer and advisor. He is granted divine vision (divya drishti) by Sage Vyasa, enabling him to see and narrate the events of the war.
4. What does Duryodhana do upon seeing the Pandava army?
A: Duryodhana approaches his teacher, Dronacharya, and describes the strength of the Pandava army, emphasizing their powerful warriors.
5. How does Duryodhana assess his own army?
A: Duryodhana speaks highly of his army’s strength but subtly expresses concerns, highlighting the importance of protecting Bhishma, their commander.
6. Who blows the conch shells first, and what does it signify?
A: Bhishma, the commander of the Kaurava army, blows his conch first, signaling the start of the battle.
7. How do the Pandavas respond to the Kauravas’ conch blowing?
A: The Pandavas, led by Krishna and Arjuna, blow their conch shells, filling the battlefield with a resounding sound, signifying their readiness to fight.
8. What does Arjuna ask Krishna to do before the battle begins?
A: Arjuna asks Krishna to place their chariot between the two armies so he can observe those who are ready to fight.
9. What does Arjuna see when Krishna positions the chariot?
A: Arjuna sees his relatives, teachers, friends, and well-wishers on both sides, preparing to kill one another.
10. How does Arjuna feel upon seeing his family members on the battlefield?
A: Arjuna becomes deeply distressed, filled with sorrow and compassion. He is unable to reconcile the idea of killing his loved ones.
11. What physical symptoms does Arjuna experience?
A: Arjuna experiences trembling, a dry mouth, his body shivering, his bow slipping from his hands, and his skin burning.
12. What arguments does Arjuna give for not fighting?
A:
- Killing family members will destroy family traditions.
- It will lead to societal chaos and sinful acts.
- He sees no joy in winning a kingdom gained through bloodshed.
- It is morally wrong to kill elders and relatives.
13. What is Arjuna’s view on the consequences of destroying family traditions?
A: Arjuna believes that the destruction of family traditions will lead to moral degradation, loss of dharma, and chaos in society.
14. Why does Arjuna refuse to fight?
A: Arjuna is overwhelmed by grief, compassion, and a sense of futility. He does not want to kill his loved ones for the sake of a kingdom.
15. How does Arjuna view the war at this point?
A: Arjuna views the war as a sinful and destructive act, driven by greed, and he questions its purpose.
16. What metaphor does Arjuna use to describe the consequences of war?
A: Arjuna describes war as an act that destroys families and creates chaos, like a fire that consumes everything in its path.
17. What does Arjuna do after expressing his doubts?
A: Arjuna places his bow and arrows aside, sits down in the chariot, and declares his unwillingness to fight.
18. How does Krishna respond in Chapter 1?
A: Krishna listens silently to Arjuna’s arguments, allowing him to express his confusion and grief. Krishna’s response begins in Chapter 2.
19. What is the main theme of Chapter 1?
A: The main theme is moral conflict and emotional turmoil. It highlights Arjuna’s dilemma and sets the stage for Krishna’s teachings on duty, dharma, and the path to self-realization.
20. Why is Chapter 1 significant in the Bhagavad Gita?
A: Chapter 1 sets the foundation for the Bhagavad Gita’s philosophical discourse. It captures the human experience of doubt, fear, and confusion, making it relatable to anyone facing difficult decisions.