34 6( 63) The Book of the Bhagavadgftii

better new life (30- 40). The successful yogin attains release; the best one attains bhakti for God (45). 29 [7J (31; 1U2). Km1a propounds the knowledge of himself. He has two prakrtis, one material, the other made up of individual souls; God himself transcends both (1 - 5). He is the defining property of all creatures, which rest in him, while he transcends them. However, the creatures' modes of being, influenced by the three gUQ.as, produce an illusion that can be overcome with great difficulty (5 - 15 ). Among four kinds of bhaktas the uniquely loyal adept stands out and is especiaIly beloved of God (15). People ignorantly worshiping other deities indirectly worship God, though he remains opaque to them (15- 25). The ignorant can come to know God when their evil karman is burnt away (25 - 30). 30 [8J (32; 1142). Description of brahman, individual soul, sarga, adhibhiita, adhidaivata, and adhiyajfia (1). He who thinks of God in his last hour reaches him. Therefore Arjuna should fight (1 - 5). Description of God (5 - 10). The manner of concentrating on God (10- 15) . On emergence and dissolution: only the Unmanifest remains, which is God (15 - 20). The two paths of the dead: to release and to rebirth (20- 25). 31 [9 J (33; 1170). The Royal Mystery of release. God creates universes by his natural pulsation, but he is not bound (1-10). The deluded ignore God, the wise venerate him, with bhakti and sacrifice, of which he is all the circumstances; but sacrifice alone leads to rebirth (10- 20). God is the recipient of all rites, even the humblest. Every act should be done as an offering to him, and release is assured even if one is a criminal or of low birth (20-30). 32 [10 J (34; 1205). No one knows God's origin, but he is the origin of all creatures and their virtues. This insight inspires bhakti, and in response God dispels one's ignorance (1-10). Arjuna asks about God's divine yoga and ubiquities (10- 15). Kr$1Ja describes himself as the first of any group (15 - 35). He supports the universe with a particle of his being (40). 33 [11J (35; 1247). Arjunapraysfor a vision of God as himself. Kr$1Ja vouchsafes him divine sight and displays his supernal being. Arjuna tremblingly describes him as sovereign and as fearful-the God also of death (1 - 30). Kr$1Ja describes himself as Time and exhorts Arjuna to wage war (30). Arjuna praises Kf/ma (35- 45). Kr$1Ja

The Book of the Slaying of

declares only Arjuna can see him so, then resumes his familiar appearance (45 - 50). Kmla declares that only bhakti enables one to perceive him (50- 55).

35

34 [12J (36; 1302). Description of the most adept bhaktiyogin, his dedication, relinquishment, serenity, and virtues, and his paying heed to God's Law just set forth (1-20). 35 [13J (37; 1323). On k:;;etra and k:;;etrajfia (1 - 5). The virtues of the knower (5 - 10). On brahman (10- 15). On prakrti and puru:;;a (15 - 20). The ways of discerning the soul (20- 25). The omnipresence of God (25 - 30). The transcendence of the individual self (30). 36 [14J (38; 1356). The Large Brahman as the womb of nature (1). Description of the gUQ.as sattva, rajas, and tamas and their effects (5 - 20). Description of the one who has transcended the gUQ.as (20- 25). 37 [15J (39; 1383). The parable of the Asvattha tree (1). Glorification of the Supreme Person (1 - 15). The two Persons, and God, the third (15 - 20). 38 [16J (40; 1403). The divine and demonic properties (1 - 5 ). The assumptions of the demonic and their follies (5 - 15), and their infernal end (15 - 20). 39 [17J (41; 1427). The consequences ofaperson's gUQ.a on faith (1 - 5), food (5 - 10), sacrifice (10), asceticism (10- 15), donations (20). The uses of OM, tad and sat (20- 25) . 40 [18J (42; 1455). The natures ofsarpnyasa and tyaga: what never is to be renounced: sacrifice, asceticism, and donation (1 - 5). Influence of gUQ.as on renunciation (5 - 10). Siirrzkhyan notions of act and body (10- 15). The gUQ.as' bearing on knowledge (15-20), action (20-25), agent (25), intelligence (25 - 30), fortitude (30-35), happiness (35). The ubiquity of the gUQ.as (40). The tasks of the varQ.as (40): the need to perform one's natural task disinterestedly (45). Becoming brahman leads to bhakti, which inspires God's grace and brings release (50- 60). Kr$.1Ja'S final word (60-65). The teaching of the Gita to a bhakta inspires God's love, and the listener will be released (65 - 70). Sarrzjaya's praise of the CoIloquy of Kr$1Ja and Arjuna (70- 75).

6(64). The Book of the Slaying of

41 (43; 1533). When Arjuna takes up his bow again,

36 6(64) The Book oj the Slaying of Bhf~ma

the Pii.IJ.~ava troops cheerfully make war music. Gods and demigods appear, to watch the battle (1-5). Then Yudhi$thira lays down his weapons and starts to walk toward Bhi$ma on the opposite side. His brothers, who raise anxious questions, and Kr$lJ.afollow him (5-20). The Dhii.rtarii.$tras assume cowardice on Yudhi$thira's part but are not certain (25 - 30). Yudhi$thira seeks Bhi$ma's formal permission to fight him; this is granted (30-40) . The scene is repeated with DrolJ.a (45 - 60), Krpa (60 - 70), and Salya, whom Yudhi$thira reminds of an earlier promise of help. Yudhi$thira withdraws (70-80). Kr$lJ.a tries to persuade KarlJ.a to side with Yudhi$thira's cause until Bhi$ma's death; he declines (80-90). Yudhi$thira issues an invitation to any Kaurava to join him; Dhrtarii.$tra's bastard son Y.uyutsu does so (90 - 95). The Pii.IJ.~avas rearm themselves while their troops praise them for their generous treatment of the enemies. War conches are sounded (95-100).

6(63) The Book of the BhagavadgIta

38 6(63) 14- 15 The Book of the Bhagavadglta

Vaisarrzpiiyana uviica / 14.1 atha Giivalga/Jir dhimiin samariid etya Sarrzjayal:z /

,pratyakIJadarsi sarvasya bhutabhavyabhaviIJyavit / / dhyiiyate DhrtariiIJtriiya sahasopetya dul:zkhital:z / iicaIJta nihatarrz BhiIJmarrz Bharatiiniim amadhyamam / / Sarrzjaya uviica / Sarrzjayo 'harrz mahiiriija namas te BharatarlJabha / hato BhiIJmal:z Siirrztanavo Bharatiiniirrz pitiimahal:z / / kakudarrz sarvayodhiiniirrz dhiima sarvadhanuIJmatiim / saratalpagatal:z so 'dya sete Kurupitiimahal:z / /

5 yasya viryarrz samiisritya dyutarrz putras taviikarot / sa sete nihato riijan sarrzkhye BhiIJmal:z Sikhar:u;linii / / yal:z sarviin prthivipiiliin samavetiin mahiimrdhe / jigiiyaikarathenaiva Kiisipuryiirrz mahiirathal:z / / Jiimadagnyarrz ral;le Riimam iiyodhya Vasusarrlbhaval:z / na hato Jiimadagnyena sa hato 'dya Sikha/J4inii / / Mahendrasadrsal:z saurye sthairye ca Himaviin iva / samudra iva giimbhirye sahiIJlJ.utve dhariisamal:z / / saradarrzIJtro dhanurvaktral:z khat;/gajihvo duriisadal:z / narasirrzhal:z pitii te 'dya Piificiilyena nipiitital:z / /

10 PiilJ.t;/aviiniirrz mahat sainyarrz yarrz drIJtvodyantam iihave / pravepata bhayodvignarrz sirrzharrz drIJtveva gogalJ.al:z / / parirakIJya sa serziirrz te dasariitram anikahii / jagiimiistam iviidityal:z krtvii karma suduIJkaram / / yal:z sa Sakra iviikIJobhyo varlJan biilJ.iin sahasrasal:z / jaghiina yudhi yodhiiniim arbudarrz dasabhir dinail:z / / sa sete niIJtanan bhumau viitaruglJ.a iva drumal:z / tava durmantrite riijan yathii niirhal:z sa Bhiirata / /

DhrtariiIJtra uviica / 15.1 katharrz KurulJ.iim rlJabho hato BhIIJmal:z SikhalJ.t;/inii /

katharrz rathiit sa nyapatat pitii me Viisavopamal:z / / katham iisarrzs ca me putrii hinii BhiIJmelJ.a Sarrzjaya / balirzii devakalpena gurvarthe brahmaciirilJ.ii / / tasmin hate mahiisattve mahesviise mahiibale / mahiirathe naravyiighre kim u iisln manas tadii / / iirtil:z parii miivisati yatal:z sarrzsasi me hatam / KurulJ.iim rlJabharrz vIram akampyarrz purulJarlJabham / /

5 ke tarrz yiintam anupreyul:z ke ciisyiisan purogamiil:z / ke . 'tiIJthan ke nyavartanta ke 'bhyavartanta Sarrzjaya / / ke surii rathasiirdulam acyutarrz kIJatriyarlJabham / rathiinIkarrz giihamiinarrz sahasii prIJthato 'nvayul:z / / yas tamo 'rka iviipohan parasainyam amitrahii / sahasrarasmipratimal:z pareIJiirrz bhayam iidadhat / akarod dUIJkararrz karma ralJ.e Kauravasiisaniit / /

The Book of the Bhagavadglta

Vaisarrzpiiyana said: 14.1 Then Gavalgar,ta's sagacious son Sarpjaya.~who had an immediate

insight into all things past. presenLand futur:e. returned from the . ba efield.1 Grief-stricken. he hastened to the brooding-DhJ;tara~tra and told him that Bhi~ma. peerless among the Bharatas. lay dead.

Sarrzjaya said: I am Sarpjaya.2 great king. My homage, bull of the Bharatas I

Bhi~ma. son of Sarptanu. grandfather of the Bharatas. is dead I The chief of all warriors. the summit of all archers. the grandfather of the

39

5 Kurus lies now on a bed of arrows. He on whose might your son relied when he played the dice.3 he. Bhi~ma. lies on the battlefield, king. killed by Sikhar,tQ.in. He who on a single chariot triumphed over all the assembled kings on earth in a great battle at the city of the Kasis.4 the great warrior. issue of the Vasus.s who fought Rama Jamadagnya and was not killed by him. now lies killed by Sikhar,tQ.in. The equal of great Indra in heroic feats. a Himalaya in steadfastness, an ocean in depth. the earth in forbearance, invincible lion of a man. with arrows for teeth. a bow for his mouth. a sword for his tongue.

10 your father now lies felled by the paficalya. He before whom the mighty host of the Par,tQ.avas trembled in panic when they saw him rise over the battlefield. as a herd of cows trembles before a lion. that killer of armies. now. after saving your army for ten days. has gone to his setting like the sun. his rare feat achieved. He who. unshakable like Sakra. rained arrows by the thousands and in ten days slew a million warriors in battle. lies. breathing his last. on earth like a tree snapped by a gale, undeserving of his death in your misbegotten plan. Bharata!

DhrtariiIJtra said: 15.1 How was Bhi~ma. the bull of th~..us . killed by Sikhar,tQ.in ? How

did my father. who was an Indra. fall from his chariot? And what became of my sons. Sarpjaya. when they had lost the mighty. Godlike Bhi~ma. who had remained a celibate because of his father ? When that courageous archer. that powerful warrior. that tiger of a man fell. what was their feeling? Profound grief chokes me when you tell me that he is dead. that bull of the Kurus. unshakable hero. bull among men.

5 Who were following him. as he pushed forward. who were ahead of him. who stood by him. who turned away. who pressed on. Sarpjaya ? Who were the champions who brought up the rear when that tigerlike warrior. that undefeated bull of the barons. dived into the ranks of the enemy? Shredding the troops of the enemy as the thousand-rayed sun shreds the darkness. that killer of his foes threw fear into the hearts of the others and accomplished a rare feat on the battlefield at the behest of the Kaurava I

40

10

15

20

25

6(63) 15 The Book of the Bhagavadgitii

grasamiinam anlkiini ya enarrz paryaviirayan I krtinarrz tarrz duriidhar$arrz samyag yiisyantam antike I katharrz 8iirrztanavarrz yuddhe Pii1J.~avii~ pratyaviirayan I I nikrntantam anlkiini saradarrz$trarrz tarasvinam I ciipavyiittiinanarrz ghoram asijihvarrz duriisadam I I aty anyiin puru$avyiighriin hrImantam apariijitam I piitayiimiisa Kaunteya~ katharrz tam ajitarrz yudhi I I ugradhanviinam ugre$urrz vartamiinarrz rathottame I pare$iim uttamiirigiini pracinvantarrz site$ubhi~ I I Pii1J.~aviiniirrz mahat sainyarrz yarrz dr$tvodyantam iihave I kiiliignim iva durdhar$arrz samave$tata nityasa~ I I parikr$ya sa seniirrz me dasariitram anlkahii I jagiimiistam iviiditya~ krtvii karma sudu$karam I I ya~ sa 8akra iviik$ayyarrz var$arrz saramayarrz srjan I jaghiina yudhi yodhiiniim arbudarrz dasabhir dinai~ I I sa sete ni$tanan bhumau viitarug1J.a iva druma~ I mama durmantriteniisau yathii niirha~ sa Bhiirata~ II katharrz 8iirrztanavarrz dr$tvii Pii1J.~aviiniim anlkinl I prahartum asakat tatra Bhl$marrz bhlmapariikramam I I katharrz Bhl$me1J.a sarrzgriimam akurvan Pii1J.~unandanii~ I katharrz ca niijayad BhI$mo Dro1J.e jlvati Sarrzjaya I I Krpe sarrznihite tatra Bharadviijiitmaje tathii I BhI$ma~ praharatiirrz sre$tha~ katharrz sa nidhanarrz gata~ I I katharrz ciitirathas tena Piificiilyena 8ikha1J.~inii I BhI$mo vinihato yuddhe devair api durutsaha~ I I ya~ spardhate ra1J.e nityarrz Jiimadagnyarrz mahiibalam I ajitarrz Jiimadagnyena 8akratulyapariikramam I I tarrz hatarrz samare Bhl$marrz mahiirathabalocitam I Sarrzjayiicak$va me vlrarrz yena sarma na vidmahe I I miimakii~ ke mahe$viisii niijahu~ Sarrzjayiicyutam I Duryodhanasamiidi$tii~ ke vlrii~ paryaviirayan I I yac Chikha1J.~imukhii~ sarve Pii1J.~avii Bhl$mam abhyayu~ I kaccin na Kuravo bhltiis tatyaju~ Sarrzjayiicyutam I I maurvIgho$astanayitnu~ pr$atkapr$ato mahiin I dhanurhriidamahiisabdo mahiimegha ivonnata~ I I yad abhyavar$at Kaunteyiin sa-Piificiiliin sa-Srfijayiin I nighnan pararathiin vlro Diinaviin iva Vajrabhrt I I i$vastrasiigararrz ghorarrz bii1J.agriiharrz duriisadam I kiirmukormi1J.am ak$ayyam advlparrz samare 'plavam I gadiisimakariivartarrz hayagriiharrz gajiikulam I I hayiin gajiin padiitiirrzs ca rathiirrzs ca tarasii bah un I nimajjayantarrz sam are paravlriipahiiri1J.am I I vidahyamiinarrz kopena tejasii ca pararrztapam I veleva makariiviisarrz ke vlrii~ paryaviirayan I I

10

15

20

25

The Book of the Bhagavadgitii 41

How could the PaI,lc;lavas stand up to Sarptanava in battle and fence off that unassailable victor when he devoured their ranks and was about to attack them conclusively at close quarters? With arrows for his teeth, a bow for his gaping mouth, a sword for his tongue. that dreaded. violent. unapproachable man was mowing down their troops. an undefeated conqueror beyond any other tigerlike men for all his modesty-yet how did the Kaunteya1 fell the unbeaten warrior in battle? An awesome marksman with awesome arrows. he roved on his superb chariot. plucking off the he'1:tds of his enemies with his sharp barbs. and his mere appearance on the battlefield struck terror in the mighty host of the PaI,lc;lavas. which always shrank away as before the irresistible fire of Doomsday - yet. after rallying my troops for ten days. that shatterer of armies went to his setting like the sun. his rare feat accomplished. An Indra. he pelted the enemy with a relentless rain of arrows and in ten days smote a million warriors in 12 battle - now he lies undeservedly breathing his last on the ground like -, I ,'~.? a tree snapped by a gale. the Bharata. because of my evil design. -, ~_up~n sighting Sarpta~u's son had the S~flll PaI,lc;lava army the.t! '::""''':1

'p~~r to strike o~ llli!~ma ~ith his J errifying prowes~? How did I (0 the sons of PaI,lc;lu join battle with Bhi~ma. how could Bhi~ma fail to ' win, Sarpjaya, while DroI,la2 was alive? How could Bhi~ma, the greatest of fighters, find his death when ~pa3 was near and the son of Bharadvaja? How could a SikhaI,lc;lin of Pancala bring down the paladin Bhi~ma, before whom even the Gods lost heart in battle?

He always rivaled the mighty Jamadagnya in battle. and. in prowess Sakra's equal, he remained undefeated by Rama - and now Bhi~ma, accustomed to opppsing the strength of great warriors. lies dead on the battlefield I Tell me how he died, Sarpjaya, for without him we find no shelter. Who of my archers refused to desert that unbeaten man, Sarpjaya; which heroes did Duryodhana order to his protection? When, led by SikhaI,lc;lin, all the PaI,lc;lavas attacked Bhi~ma, did the Kurus perchance desert the invincible man in fear? He was a mighty, lofty cloud, roaring with the twang of his bowstring. raining with the drops of his shafts, thundering with the clap of his bow when he pelted Kaunteyas, Pancalas, and SJ,"njayas, smiting enemy warriors, the hero, as the Thunderbolt-Wielder smote the Danavas4 - a dreadful ocean of arrows, unapproachable domain of the crocodiles of his shafts. rippling with bows, unendurable, bereft of the haven of islands. impossible to swim in battle, eddying with the whirlpools of clubs and swords, infested with sharklike horses, muddied with elephants, drowning steeds, elephants, footmen, chariots in mass with vehemence. washing away enemy heroes, burning with wrath and splendor, scourge of his foe - what brave men put a halt to him as the floodline halts the ocean?

42

30

35

40

45

6( 63) 15 The Book of the Bhagavadgitii

BhI$mo yad akarot karma samare Sarrzjayo.riho. / Duryodhanahito.rtho.ya ke tado.sya puro 'bhavan / / ke 'rak$an dak$iI:zarrz cakrarrz BhI$masyo.mitatejasa~ / pmhata~ ke paro.n vlro. upo.sedhan yatavrato.~ / / ke purasto.d avartanta rak$anto BhI$mam antike / ke 'rak$ann uttararrz cakrarrz vlro. vlrasya yudhyata~ / / vo.me cakre vartamo.no.~ ke 'ghnan Sarrzjaya Srfijayo.n / sameto.gram anlke$u ke 'bhyarak$an duro.sadam / / po.rsvata~ ke 'bhyavartanta gacchanto durgamo.rrz gatim / samuhe ke paro.n vlro.n pratyayudhyanta Sarrzjaya / / rak$yamo.lJa~ katharrz vlrair gopyamo.no.s ca tena te / durjayo.no.m anlko.ni no.jayarrzs taraso. yudhi / / sarvalokesvarasyeva Parame$thi-Prajo.pate~ / katharrz prahartum api te seku~ Sarrzjaya po.lJ~avo.~ / / yasmin dvlpe samo.sritya yudhyanti Kurava~ parai~ / tarrz nimagnarrz naravyo.ghrarrz BhI$marrz sarrzsasi Sarrzjaya / / yasya vlrye samo.svasya mama putro brhadbala~ / na po.lJ~avo.n agalJayat katharrz sa nihata~ parai~ / / ya~ puro. vibudhai~ sendrai~ so.ho.yye yuddhadurmada~ / ko.rik$ito Do.navo.n ghnadbhi~ pito. mama maho.vrata~ / / yasmifi jo.te maho.vlrye Sarrztanur lokasarrzkare / sokarrz du~kharrz ca dainyarrz ca pro.jaho.t putralak$malJi / / prajfio.paro.yalJarrz tajjfiarrz saddharmaniratarrz sucim / vedavedo.rigatattvajfiarrz katharrz sarrzsasi me hatam / / sarvo.stravinayopetarrz do.ntarrz so.ntarrz manasvinam / hatarrz So.rrztanavarrz srutvo. manye se$arrz balarrz hatam / / dharmo.d adharmo balavo.n sarrzpro.pta iti me mati~ / yatra vrddharrz gururrz hatvo. ro.jyam icchanti po.lJ~avo.~ / / Jo.madagnya~ puro. Ro.ma~ sarvo.stravid anuttama~ / Ambo.rtham udyata~ sarrzkhye BhI$melJa yudhi nirjita~ / / tam Indrasamakarmo.lJarrz kakudarrz sarvadhanvino.rrz / hatarrz sarrzsasi BhI$marrz me kirrz nu du~kham ata~ param / / asakrt k$atriyavro.to.~ sarrzkhye yena vinirjito.~ / Jo.madagnyas tatho. Ro.ma~ paravlranigho.tino. / / tasmo.n nunarrz maho.vlryo.d Bho.rgavo.d yuddhadurmado.t / tejovlryabalair bhuyo.fi SikhalJ~I Drupado.tmaja~ / / ya~ surarrz krtinarrz yuddhe sarvasastraviso.radam / paramo.stravidarrz vlrarrz jagho.na Bharatar$abham / / ke vlro.s tam amitraghnam anvayu~ satrusarrzsadi / sarrzsa me tad yatho. vrttarrz yuddharrz BhI$masya po.lJ~avai~ / / YO$eva hatavlro. me seno. putrasya Samjaya / agopam iva codbhro.ntarrz gokularrz tad balarrz mama / /

30

35

40

/ 45

The Book of the Bhagavadgitii 43

When enemy-killer BhI~ma did his work in the war for the benefit of Duryodhana. 0 Sarpjaya. who were in front of him. who guarded the right wheel of boundlessly august Bhi~ma. who vigorously blocked the enemy's warriors in his rear. who stayed immediately ahead of Bhi~ma to protect him. which heroes guarded the front wheel of the battling hero? Who were the men who stood at his left wheel and killed the SJ;'iijayas. Sarpjaya? Who at his side pressed forward and opened a difficult path ahead? Who were the ones who counterattacked the heroes of the enemy in the melee. Sarpjaya? How is it possible that when he was protected by heroes. and they by him. they were unable to defeat quickly the troops of the barely defeat able foes?

He was like the sovereign of all the worlds. Prajapati Parame~thin himself-then how proved the Par;H;lavas able to strike at him. Sarpjaya? He was a haven for the Kurus in their battle with the others. yet you tell me that Bhi~ma. tiger among men. himself has drowned I It was because he could sigh with relief in the shelter of Bhi~ma's might that my powerful son could dismiss the Par;t~avas how then did the enemy kill him? In old times my battle-crazy father of the great vow was besought for his aid by Indra and the Gods when they were embattled with the Danavas; at the birth of this hero. healer of the world. Sarptanu shed his grief. sorrow. and worry because of the good fortune of a son - how can you tell me he is killed. a man unsurpassed in the wisdom he held high. intent on his strict Law. pure and steeped in the truths of the Vedas and their branches I When I hear that Sarptanava has been slain. he who knew the use of any ~eapon. a man of self-control, serenity. and spirit. I Know the-rest of my army is lost. Lawlessness. I now know. has prevailed-over Law. if the Par;t~avas still want the kingdom after killing their ancient guru! - One ime Rama Jamadagnya himself. unequaled expert with all

weapons. rose to battle Bhi~ma over Amba. and he was defeated. What could be more grievous a blow than the word you bring of the death of Bhi~ma. who equaled Indra in his feats. the greatest of all bowmen? Surely greater yet than that slayer of enemy heroes Rama J amadagnya who many times defeated the hosts of the barons. greater than the puissant Bhargava. a berserker in war. must be Drupada's son Sikhar;t~in in splendor. heroism. and strength. if he slew that triumphant champion. master of all arms. expert of the ultimate weapon. the heroic bull of the Bharatas!

Which heroes followed the enemy-killer into the assembly of his foes ? Tell me. Sarpjaya. how Bhi~ma's battle with the Par;t~avas went. The army of my son is now like a woman whose hero has been killed; my troops are like a herd of cattle panicking because their herdsman

44 6(63) 15 The Book of the Bhagavadgitu

50 paurU$arrz sarvalokasya pararrz yasya mahiihave / pariisikte ca vas tasmin katham iisln manas tadii / / jlvite 'py adya siimarthyarrz kim iviismiisu Sarrzjaya / ghiitayitvii mahiivlryarrz pitararrz lokadhiirmikam / / agiidhe salile magniirrz niivarrz dr$tveva piiragii/:I / BhI$me hate bhrsarrz du/:Ikhiin manye socanti putrakii/:I / / adrisiiramayarrz niinarrz sudrt;lharrz hrdayarrz mama / yac chrutvii pur/1$avyiighrarrz hatarrz BhI$marrz na dlryate / / yasminn astrarrz ca medhii ca nitis ca Bharatar$abhe / aprameyiiryi durdhar$e katharrz sa nihato yudhi / /

55 na ciistrerya na sauryerya tapasii medhayii na ca / na dhrtyii na punas tyiigiin mrtyo/:I kascid vimucyate / / kiilo niinarrz mahiivlrya/:I sarvalokaduratyaya/:I / yatra Siirrztanavarrz BhI$marrz hatarrz sarylsasi Sarrzjaya / / putrasokiibhisarrztapto mahad du/:Ikham acintayan / iisarrzse 'harrz purii triiryarrz BhI$miic Charrztanunandaniit / / yadiidityam iviipasyat patitarrz bhuvi Sarrzjaya / Duryodhana/:I Siirrztanavarrz kirrz tadii pratyapadyata / / niiharrz sve$iirrz pare$iirrz vii buddhyii Sarrzjaya cintayan / se$arrz kirrzcit prapasyiimi pratyanlke mahlk$itiim / /

60 diirurya/:I k$atradharmo 'yam r$ibhi/:I sarrzpradarsita/:I / yatra Siirrztanavarrz hatvii riijyam icchanti Piiryt;lavii/:I / / vayarrz vii riijyam icchiimo ghiitayitvii pitiimaham / k$atradharme sthitii/:I Piirthii niipariidhyanti putrakii/:I / / etad iiryerya kartavyarrz krcchriisv iipatsu Sarrzjaya / pariikrama/:I pararrz saktyii tac ca tasmin prati.5thitam / / anlkiini vinighnantarrz hrlmantam apariijitam /

/ katharrz Siiryltanavarrz tiita Piiryt;luputrii nyapiitayan / / ,.1:. .k~tuJtktii;;Y' anlkiini 1$g.tha!)1 yuddhal?1 mahiitmabhih /

T

46

75

6(63) 15- 16 The Book oj the Bhagavadgitii

tasman me sarvam acakijva yad vrttarrz tatra Sarrzjaya / / sarrzgrame prthivIsanarrz mandasyabuddhisarrzbhavam / apanItarrz sunItarrz va tan mamacak$va Sarrzjaya / / yat krtarrz tatra BhI$mel',la sarrzgrame jayam icchata / tejoyuktal?l krtastrelJa sarrzsa tac capy ase$atab / / yathii tad abhavad yuddharrz Kuru-Pal',lt}.avasenayob / kramel',la yena yasmirrzs ca kale yac ca yatha ca tat / /

Sarrzjaya uvaca / 16.1 tv~dyuktQ 'yam anuprasno maharaja yatharhasi /

na tu Duryodhane dO$am imam asaktum arhasi / / ya atmano duscaritad asubharrz prapnuyan narab / enasa tena nanyarrz sa upasankitum arhati / / maharaja manU$ye$U nindyarrz yab sarvam acaret / sa vadhyab sarvalokasya ninditani samiicaran / / nikiiro 'nikrtiprajfiaib Piil',lt}.avais tvatpratIk$ayii / anubhiitab sahiimatyaib k$iintal?l ca sucirarrz vane / /

5 hayiiniirrz ca gajiiniirrz ca siiriil',liirrz ciimitaujasiim / pratyak$arrz l1E!!.!2'ayii dr$tarrz dr$tar!,l,..Yogabale'1.L,fa / / smu tat prthivlpiila ma ca soke manab kI;thiib / di$tam etat purii niinam evarrzbhiivi naradhipa / /

- namaskrtvii pitus te 'harrz Piiriisaryiiya dhlm;te / yasya prasiidiid divyarrz me priiptarrz jfiiinam anuttamam / / dr$tis ciitindriyii riijan diiriic chraval',lam eva ca / paracittasya vijfiiinam atItiiniigatasya ca / / vyutthitotpattivijfiiinam iikiise ca gatib sadii / sastrair asango yuddhe$u varadiiniin mahiitmanab / /

10 smu me vistarelJedarrz vicitrarrz paramiidbhutam / Bhiiratiiniirrz mahad yuddharrz yathiibhiil lomahar$al',lam / / te$v anlke$u yatte$u vyiit}.he$u ca vidhiinatab / Duryodhano mahiiriija Dubsiisanam athiibravlt / / DUQSiisana rat~iis_tiirl',larrz yujyantiirrz BhI$marak$il',lab / amkaffi ca sarviil',li sIghrarrz tvaman.ucoaaYa77-ayarrz mii samanupriipto var$apiigiibhicintitab / Piil',lt}.aviiniirrz sasainyiiniirrz Kuriil',liil?l ca samiigamab / / niitab karyatamarrz manye ralJe BhI$masya rak$al',liit / hanyiid gupto hy asau Piirthiin Somakarrzs ca sa-Srfijayiin / /

15 abravIc ca visuddhiitmii naharrz hanyiirrz 8ikhal',lt}.inam / sriiyate strI hy asau piirvarrz tasmiid varjyo ral',le mama / / tasmiid BhI$mo rak$itavyo vise$el',leti me matib / 8ikhalJt}.ino vadhe yattab sarve ti$thantu miimakiib / / tathii priicyiib pratIcyas ca diik$il',liityottarapathiib / sarvasastriistrakusaliis te rak$antu pitiimaham / / arak$yamiil',larrz hi vrko hanyiit sirrzharrz mahiibalam / mii sirrzharrz jambukeneva ghiitayiimab 8ikhal',lt}.inii / /

75

The Book oj the Bhagavadgltii 47

brought on. so tell me all that happened there. Sarpjaya. Tell me all. whether it was well-planned or misguided. that befell the kings of the earth in battle as a result of that cretin'ss witlessness. And tell me ~ntirely what Bhi~ma wrought in the battle. covetous of victory.JIlL the glorious exploits of that masterful warrior: how the battle_u!lfolded between the Kuru and Pal).

48

20

25

30

35

40

6( 63) 16 The Book of the BhagavadgIta

viimarrz eakrarrz Yudhiimanyur Uttamaujiis ea dakljilJ.am / goptiirau Phalgunasyaitau Phalguno 'pi SikhalJ.cJinab / / sarrzrakljyamiilJ.ab Piirthena BhlljmelJ.a ea vivarjitab / yathii na hanyiid Giifrgeyarrz Dubsiisana tathii kuru / / tato rajanyiirrz vyu$tiiyiirrz sabdab samabhavan mahiin / krosatiirrz bhilmipiiliiniil?l yujyatiirrz yujyatiim iii / / safrkhadundubhinirgholjai. sirrzhaniidais ea miiirata / hayaheljitasabdais ea rathanemisvanais tathii / / gajiiniirrz brrrzhatiirrz eaiva yodhiiniirrz eiibhigarjatiim / kljvecJitiisphotitotkruljtais tumularrz sarvato 'bhavat / / ~datiljthan mahiiriija sarval'!'lyuk(am aseljatab / silryodaye mahat sainyarrz Kuru-PiilJ.cJavasenayob / tava riijendra putriilJ.iirrz PiilJ.cJaviiniirrz tathaiva ea / / tatra niigii rathiis eaiva jiimbilnadapariljkrtiib / vibhriijamiinii drsyante meghii iva savidyutab / / rathiinlkiiny adrsyanta nagariilJ.lva bhilrisab / atIva susubhe tatra pitii te pilrlJ.aeandravat / / dhanurbhir rljtibhib khacJgair gadiibhib saktitomaraib / yodhiib praharalJ.aib subhraib sveljv anlkeljv avasthUiib / / gajii rathiib padiitiis ea turagiis ea visiirrz pate / vyatiljthan viiguriikiiriib sataso 'tha sahasrasab / / dhvajii bahuvidhiikiirii vyadrsyanta samueehritiib / sveljiirrz eaiva pareljiirrz ea dyutimantab sahasrasab / / kiiiieanii malJ.ieitriifrgii jvalanta iva piivakiib / arciljmanto vyaroeanta dhvajii riijiiiirrz sahasrasab / / Mahendraketavab subhrii Mahendrasadane$v iva / sarrznaddhiis telju te vlrii dadrsur yuddhakiirikljilJ.ab / / udyatair iiyudhais eitriis talabaddhiib kaliipinab / rljabhakljii manuljyendriis eamiimukhagatii babhub / / Sakunib Saubalab Salyab Saindhavo 'tha Jayadrathab / Vinda-Anuvindiiv A vantyau Kiimbojas ea SudakljilJ.ab / / Srutiiyudhas ea Kiilifrgo Jayatsenas ea piirthivab / Brhadbalas ea Kausalyab Krtavarmii ea Siitvatab / / dasaite puruljavyiighriib siiriib parighabiihavab / akljauhilJ.lniirrz patayo yajviino bhilridakljilJ.iib / / ete eiinye ea bahavo Duryodhanavasiinugiib / riijiino riijaputriis ea nItimanto mahiibaliib / / sarrznaddhiib samadrsyanta sveljv anlkeljv avasthitiib / baddhakrljlJ.iijiniib sarve dhvajino muiijamiilinab / / srljtii Duryodhanasyiirthe Brahmalokiiya dlkljitiib / samrddhii dasa viihinyab parigrhya vyavasthitiib / / ekiidasI DhiirtariiljtrI KauraviilJ.iirrz mahiieamilb / agratab sarvasainyiiniirrz yatra Siirrztanavo 'gralJ.1b / / svetoljlJ.lljarrz svetahayarrz svetavarmiilJ.am aeyutam / apasyiima mahiiriija Bhlljmarrz eandram ivoditam / /

20

25

30

35

40

The Book of the Bhagavadglta 49

jackal to kill the lion. Yudhamanyu guards the left wheel. Uttamaujas the right, of Phalguna, while Phalguna himself protects Sikhar;H;lin. DuQ.sasana. take measures that Sikhal).Qin, protected by the Partha and avoided by Bhi1;lma, does not kill the son of the Ganges!"

When night had made way for dawn, there arose a great noise of kings shouting, "The yokes, lay on the yoke;> I" On all sides there was a terrifying din, with the calls of conch shell and drum, the battle cries, Bharata, the whinnying of the horses, the rattle of the chariot wheels, the trumpeting of the large elephants, and the roars, the growling, and the arm-slapping3 of the warriors. ,Atsunrise the entire. vast force of the Kuru and the pal).c;l.ava armies stoodrYaked, great king. The golden-caparisoned elephants and the gold-decked chariots of your sons and the Pal).c;l.avas dazzled like lightning-streaked clouds. The convoys of chariots looked like cities, and among them your father gleamed bright like the full moon. The warriors took their positions with bows, spears, swords, clubs, javelins, and other sparkling weapons in their assigned ranks. Elephants, chariots, foot soldiers, and horses were in place, 0 lord of your people, forming a catch net with their hundreds and thousands, and many-shaped tall standards were visible. There were thousands of standards of thousands of kings, on your side and the enemy's, brightly glittering with gold and colorful gems, aflame like blazing fires, like the rainbow banners of lndra flashing in lndra's palaces. Fully girt heroes eager for battle were watching with upraised weapons, sparkling, with hand guards tied on, their quivers full, and they appeared like bull-eyed lndras among men at the head of their troops. Sakuni Saubala, Salya, Jayadratha of Sindhu, Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, Sudak1;lil).a of Kamboja, Srutayudha of Kaliriga, King Jayatsena, Brhadbala of Kosala, and Krtavarman the Satvata were the ten tigerlike commanders of grand armies, bludgeon-like champions, past sacrificers of generous stipends; they and many other allies of Duryodhana, kings and sons of kings, shrewd and powerful. could be seen in their armor posted by their troops. Girt with black antelope hides, all bearing standards, hung with muiija threads, pouring out in Duryodhana's cause, consecrated to the World of Brahma,4 they stood in place, holding fast their ten opulent armies. The eleventh army of the Kauravas, that of the Dhartara1;ltra himself, was in front of all the others and headed by SaqJ.tanava.

We saw undefeated BhI1;lma like the risen moon with his white turban, white horses, and white armor. Kurus and pal).c;l.avas gazed on

50

45

17.1

5

10

15

6(63) 16- 17 The Book of the Bhagavadgitii

hematiiladhvajarrz Bhi$marrz riijate syandane sthitam / svetiibhra iva tIk$IJiirrzsurrz dadrsu~ Kuru-PiiIJtJavii~ / / dr$tvii camiimukhe BhI$marrz samakampanta PiiIJtJavii~ / Srfijayiis ca mahe$viisii DhrWldyumnapurogamii~ / / jrmbhamiiIJarrz mahiisirrzharrz dr$tvii k$udramrgii yathii / Dhr$tadyumnamukhii~ sarve samudvivijire muhu~ / / ekiidasaitii~ srlju$tii viihinyas taVCLBMLata / PiiIJ. aviinii,p tathii sapta ;;ahiipuru$apiilitii~ / / ;;;maUamakariivartau mahiigriihasamiikulau / yugiinte samupetau dvau drsyete siigariiv iva / / naiva nas tiidrso riijan dr$tapiirvo na ca sruta~ / anlkiiniirrz sametiiniirrz samaviiyas tathiividha~ / /

Sarrzjaya uviica / yathii sa bhagaviin Vyiisa~ Kf$rJadvaipiiyano 'bravlt / tathaiva sahitii~ sarve samiijagmur mahlk$ita~ / / Maghiivi$ayaga~ somas tad dinarrz pratyapadyata / dlpyamiiniis ca sarrzpetur divi sapta mahiigrahii~ / / dvidhlibhiita iviiditya udaye pratyadrsyata / jvalantyii sikhayii bhiiyo bhiinumiin udito divi / / vaviisire ca dlptiiyiirrz disi gomiiyuviiyasii~ / lipsamiinii~ sarlriilJi miirrzsasolJitabhojanii~ / / ahany ahani Piirthiiniirrz vrddha~ Kurupitiimaha~ / Bharadviijiitmajas caiva priitar utthiiya sarrzyatau / / jayo 'stu PiiIJtJuputriiIJiim ity iicatur arirrzdamau / yuyudhiite taviirthiiya yathii sa samaya~ krta~ / / sarvadharmavise$ajfia~ pitii Devavratas tava / samiinlya mahlpiiliin idarrz vacanam abravIt / / idarrz va~ k$atriyii dviirarrz svargiiyiipiivrtarrz mahat / gacchadhvarrz tena Sakrasya BrahmaIJas ca salokatiim / / e$a va~ siisvata~ panthii~ pii.rvai~ pii.rvatarair gata~ / sarrzbhiivayata ciitmiinam avyagramanaso yudhi / / Niibhiigo hi Yayiitis ca Miindhiitii Nahu$o Nrga~ / sarrzsiddhii~ paramarrz sthiinarrz gatii~ karmabhir Idrsai~ / / adharma~ k$atriyasyai$a yad vyiidhimaraIJarrz grhe / yad iijau nidhanarrz yiiti so 'sya dharma~ saniitana~ / / evam uktii mahlpiilii BhI$meIJa Bharatar$abha / niryayu~ sviiny anlkiini sobhayanto rathottamai~ / / sa tu Vaikartana~ KarIJa~ siimiitya~ saha bandhubhi~ / nyiisita~ samare sastrarrz Bhi$meIJa Bharatar$abha / / apetakarIJii~ putriis te riijiinas caiva tiivakii~ / niryayu~ sirrzhaniidena niidayanto diso dasa / / svetais chatrai~ patiikiibhir dhvajaviiraIJaviijibhi~ / tiiny anlkiiny asobhanta rathair atha padiitibhi~ / / bherlpalJavasabdais ca patahiiniirrz ca nisvanai~ /

45

17.1

5

10

15

The Book of the Bhagavadgitii 51

Bhi~ma standing on his silver chariot and bearing the banner with the golden palm tree, like the sharp-rayed sun against a white cloud. At the sight of BhI~ma at the head of his army, the PaI).Q.avas and the great archers of the S.rfijayas led by Dh.r~tadyumna shuddered. Like small game facing a large yawning lion, all the troops of Dh.r~tadyumna shivered with terror. There were ~leven armies of yours, decked with / ,-good fortune, Bharata , and ,seven of the PaI).Q.avas protected by great ' ~ J fD -men. The two forces were like the two oceans clashing at the end of t e eon, whirling with c~azed dolphins and tossed by large crocodiles.

-Never before, sire, have we seen or heard of such a massing of armies!

Sarrzjaya said: All the kings of earth massed together, as it has been declared by

the blessed Lord K.r~I).a Dvaipayana Vyasa. The moon that day stood in the sign of Magha,l and in the heavens the seven great planets converged in a blaze of light. When the sun rose, it seemed as though it had split in two, and when it had fully risen in the sky it was burning with a crest of flames. Jackals and crows made foreboding noises on the burning horizons, hoping for corpses, in order to feast on their flesh and blood. Every morning, day after day, the ancient grandfather of Kurus and Parthas, and the son of Bharadvaja,2 both tamers of their enemies, said upon rising in restrained voices, "Let victory go to the sons of paI).Q.u." but they campaigned for you. sire. as they had pledged.

Your father Devavrata. who knew all the niceties of Law. convened , the kings and said to them. "This is the wide gate to heaven which is

now open to you. barons! Enter through it to share the worlds of '-,J akra_apd,Br@ma! This is the eternal road that has been trod by your

ancestors and theirs: honor yourselves by putting all your heart into ~war. For Nabhaga. Yayiiti, Mandhatar. Nahu~a. and N.rga were hallowed and reached the ultimate abode by feats like your~

(bfeach")f the Law for a baron to die of sickness at home. and his ~verlasting Law is it to find death on the battlefield!" Thus admonished by Bhi~ma. 0 bull of the Bharatas. the kings left and returned to their troops. radiant on their superb chariots. Only KarI).a Vaikartana. his advisers and relations. were compelled by Bhi~ma3 to lay down their weapons for the battle. bull of the Bharatas.

Lacking only KarI).a. your sons and the kings on your side rode out. causing the horizons to resound with their lion roars . Their troops sparkled with white umbrellas. with banners. with standards. elephants. and horses. with chariots and footmen. With the sounds of drums and cymbals and the beat of kettledrums. the earth shook

52

20

25

30

35

6(63) 17 The Book a/the Bhagavadgita

rathanemininiidais ca babhuviikulitii mahi / / kiificaniingadakeyuraib kiirmukais ca mahiirathiib / bhriijamiinii vyadrsyanta jangamiib parvatii iva / / tiilena mahatii Bhi$mab paficatiire~Ia ketunii / vimaliidityasarrzkiisas tasthau Kurucamupatib / / ye tvadiyii mahe$viisii riijiino Bharatar$abha / avartanta yathiidesarrz riijafi Siirrztanavasya te / / sa tu Goviisanab Saibyab sahitab sarvariijabhib / yayau miitangariijena riij~rher.za patiikinii / padmavanJ.as tv anikiiniirrz sarve$iim agratab sthitab / / Asvatthiimii yayau yattab sirrzhaliingulaketanab / Srutiiyus Citrasenas ca Purumitro Vivirrzsatib / / Salyo Bhurisraviis caiva Vikarr.zas ca mahiirathab / ete sapta mahe$viisii Dror.zaputrapurogamiib / syandanair varavarr.ziibhair Bhi$masyiisan purabsariib / / te$iim api mahotsedhiib sobhayanto rathottamiin / bhriijamiinii vyadrsyanta jiimbunadamayii dhvajiib / / jiimbunadamayi vedib kammJ.~aluvibhu$itii / ketur iiciiryamukhyasya Dror.zasya dhanu$ii saha / / anekasatasiihasram anikam anukar$atab / mahiin Duryodhanasyiisin niigo mar.zimayo dhvajab / / tasya Paurava-Kiilingau Kiimbojas ca Sudak$ir.zab / K$emadhanvii Sumitras ca tasthub pramukhato rathiib / / syandanena mahiirher.za ketunii vr$abher.za ca / prakar$ann iva seniigrarrz Miigadhas ca nrpo yayau / / tad Angapatinii guptarrz KrpelJ.a ca mahiitmanii / siiradiibhracayaprakhyarrz priicyiiniim abhavad balam / / anikapramukhe ti$than variihelJ.a mahiiyasiib / susubhe ketumukhyena riijatena Jayadrathab / / satarrz rathasahasriilJ.iirrz tasyiisan vasavartinab / a$tau niigasahasriilJ.i siidiniim ayutiini $at / / tat Sindhupatinii riijan piilitarrz dhvajinimukham / anantarathaniigiisvam asobhata mahad balam / / $a$tyii rathasahasrais tu niigiiniim ayutena ca / patib sarva-Kalingiiniirrz yayau Ketumatii saha / / tasya parvatasarylkiisii vyarocanta mahiigajiib / yantratomaratUr.ziraib patiikiibhis ca sobhitiib / / susubhe ketumukhyena piidapena Kalingapab / svetacchatrer.za ni$kelJ.a ciimaravyajanena ca / / Ketumiin api miitangarrz vicitraparamiinkusam / iisthitab samare riijan meghastha iva bhiinumiin / / tejasii dipyamiinas tu viiralJ.ottamam iisthitab / Bhagadatto yayau riijii yathii Vajradharas tathii / / gajaskandhagatiiv iistiirrz Bhagadattena sarrzmitau / Vinda-Anuvindiiv Avantyau Ketumantam anuvratau / /

20

25

30

35

The Book 0/ the Bhagavadgita 53

tumultuously, and the great warriors, shining with their gold upper-arm and wrist bracelets and bows, appeared to the eye like walking mountains. Bhi:?ma, the marshal of the Kuru armies, stood there with his great standard that bore a palm tree and five stars in the image of a cloudless sun.

Your great royal archers, bull of the Bharatas, moved according to Sarptanava's instructions. King Saibya of Govasana, followed by all his princes, rode on a regal, bannered elephant worthy of kings. Asvatthaman, lotus-complexioned, marched out fully girt at the head of all his troops, bearing his standard of the lion's tail. The seven archers Srutayus, Citrasena, Purumitra, Vivirpsati, Salya, Bhiirisravas, and the great warrior VikarQ.a, followed DroQ.a's son4 on their brightly colored chariots to form Bhi~ma's vanguard; and their fine lofty chariots glowed and their gold-decked banners sparkled. The standard of DroQ.a, foremost of all teachers, was a golden altar adorned with a pitcher, as well as a bow. The gem-studded standard of Duryodhana, who led an army of many hundreds of thousands, was a large elephant in precious stones. In front of him stood the warriors Paurava, Kalinga, Sudak:?iQ.a of Kamboja, K~emadhanvan, and Sumitra. On a precious chariot and bearing the emblem of the bull the king of Magadha advanced, pulling on as it were the van of his army. The force of the easterners, which looked like a mass of autumn clouds, was in the charge of the Lord of Anga and great-spirited KJ;pa. At the head of his column shone famed Jayadratha with his beautiful standard, a silver boar; he commanded a hundred thousand chariots, eight thousand elephants and sixty thousand horsemen. That great force in the van of the armies, protected by the Lord of Sindhu, glittered with its innumerable chariots, elephants, and horses, 0 king. The lord of all the Kalingas, and Ketumat marched with sixty thousand chariots and ten thousand elephants. His grand, mountainous elephants sparkled with their adornment of javelins, catapults, quivers, and flags. The king of Kalinga, bearing a tree on his fine standard, glistened with his white umbrella, golden breastplate, and yaktail fan. Ketumat appeared on the battlefield riding an elephant with a large colored goad like a sun riding a rain-cloud. King Bhagadatta came like the Thunderbolt-Wielder on a beautiful elepha_"-t in a blaze of splendor. Measuring up to Bhagadatta on the shoulders of their elephants came Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, who were beholden to Ketumat. The marching formation was like a fearsome

54 6( 63) 17- 19 The Book of the Bhagavadgltii

sa ratho.nikavo.n vyiiho hastyangottamasin~avo.n / vo.jipak$ab patann ugrab pro.harat sarvatomukhab / / Dror:zena vihito ro.jan ro.jfio. So.l]1tanavena ca / tathaivo.co.ryaputrer:za Bo.hlikena Krper:za ca / /

Sal]1jaya uvo.ca / lS.l tato muhiirto.t tumulab sabdo hrdayakampanab /

asriiyata maho.ro.ja yodho.no.l]1 prayuyutsato.m / / sankhadundubhinirgho$air vo.rar:zo.no.l]1 ca brl]1hitaib / ratho.no.l]1 nemigho$ais ca diryatlva vasul]1dharo. / / hayo.no.l]1 he$amo.r:zo.no.l]1 yodho.no.rrz tatra garjato.m / k$ar:zena khal]1 disas caiva sabdeno.piirital]1 tado. / / putro.r:zo.l]1 tava durdhar$a po.r:z~avo.no.rrl tathaiva ca / samakampanta sainyo.ni parasparasamo.game / /

5 tatra no.go. ratho.s caiva jo.mbiinadavibhiiljito.b / bhro.jamo.no. vyadrsyanta megho. iva savidyutab / / dhvajo. bahuvidho.ko.ro.s to.vako.no.l]1 naro.dhipa / ko.ficano.ngadino rejur jvalito. iva po.vako.b / / sve$o.l]1 caiva pare$o.l]1 ca samadrsyanta Bho.rata / Mahendraketavab subhro. Mahendrasadane$v iva / / ko.ficanaib kavacair viro. jvalano.rkasamaprabhaib / sal]1naddho.b pratyadrsyanta graho.b prajvalito. iva / / udyatair o.yudhais citrais talabaddho.b pato.kinab / r$abho.k$o. mahe$vo.so.s camiimukhagato. babhub / /

10 Pf$thagopo.s tu Bhi$masya putro.s tava naro.dhipa / DuMo.sano Durvi$aho Durmukho Dubsahas tatho. / / Vivil]1satis Citraseno Vikarr:zas ca maho.rathab / Satyavratab Purumitro Jayo Bhiirisravo.b Salab / / ratho. vil]1satiso.hasro.s tathai$o.m anuyo.yinab / Abhiljo.ho.b Siiraseno.b Sibayo 'tha Vaso.tayab / / So.lvo. Matsyo.s tatho.-Amba$tho.s Trigarto.b Kekayo.s tatho. / Sauviro.b Kitavo.b pro.cyo.b pratlcyodicya-Mo.lavo.b / / dvo.dasaite janapado.b sarve siiro.s tanutyajab / mahato. rathaval]1sena te 'bhyarak$an pito.mahal]1 / /

15 anikal]1 dasaso.hasral]1 kufijaro.r:zo.l'!l tarasvino.m / Mo.gadho yena nrpatis tad ratho.nikam anvayo.t / / ratho.no.l]1 cakrarak$o.s ca po.darak$o.s ca dantino.m / abhiivan vo.hinimadhye sato.no.m ayuto.ni $at / / po.do.to.s co.grato 'gacchan dhanuscarmo.sipo.r:zayab / anekasataso.hasro. nakharapro.sayodhinab / / ak$auhir:zyo dasaiko. ca tava putrasya Bho.rata / adrsyanta maho.ro.ja Gangeva Yamuno.ntare / /

Dhrtaro.$tra uvo.ca / 19.1 ak$auhir:zyo dasaiko.l]1 ca vyii~ho.l]1 dr$tvo. Yudhi$thirab /

(

The Book of the Bhagavadgltii 55

bird, with a trunk of chariots, a head of elephants, and wings of horses; and it attacked in all directions. It had been so arrayed, sire, by DroQ.a and King Sarptanava, as well as the teacher's son,s Bahlika and Kl;'pa.

Sal]1jaya said: lS.l Soon there was heard the heartrending, terrifying noise of warriors

ready to go to war, great king. The blare of conches, the roll of drums, the trumpeting of elephants, the racket of chariot rims seemed to split open the earth. The skies were instantly filled with the riot of whinnying horses and roaring warriors, and the armies of your sons and the irresistible paQ.Qavas trembled in the clash. The gold-decked

5 elephants and chariots appeared, flashing like lightning-splashed rain clouds. The many-shaped banners of your men, king of the people, bearing royal insignia of gold, sparkled like fires. The shining rainbow colors of your troops and the others' were bright as in Indra's mansions, Bharata. The warriors, armored in their golden cuirasses that shone like fire and sun, seemed like flaming meteors. The bull-eyed archers, with their upraised weapons, tied-on guards and banners, glittered at the head of the armies.

10 Your sons, king, acted as Bhil?ma's rearguards. There were Dul,lsasana, Durvil?aha, Durmukha, Dul,lsaha, Vivirpsati, Citrasena, the great warrior VikarQ.a, Satyavrata, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhiirisravas, and Sala, and twenty thousand warriors followed them. Abhil?ahas, Siirasenas, Sibis, Vasatis, Salvas, Matsyas, Ambal?thas, Trigartas, Kekayas, Sauviras, Kitavas, and the Eastern, Western and Northern Malavas, twelve peoples in all, with fighters ready to risk their lives,

15 protected grandfather in a mighty chariot column. There was an army of ten thousand fierce elephants with which the king of Magadha followed the chariot forces. There were sixty thousand times a hundred men to guard the wheels of the chariots and legs of the tuskers in the middle of the army. Many hundreds of thousands of footmen, armed with bows, shields, swords, and clawed spears went in the vanguard. Your son had eleven grand armies, Bharata, and they looked like the Ganges before its confluence with the river Yamuna, maharaja!

Dhrtaro.$tra said: --.. 19.1 \YEen Yudhi~thira paQ.Qava saw those eleven armies marshaled 110

56

5

10

15

20

6(63) 19 The Book of the BhagavadgItii

katham alpena sainyena pratyavyiihata PiilJ.~avaiJ / / yo veda miinu$aI!1. vyiihal!J daival!J giindharvam iisuram /

kathal!J BhI$mal!J sa KaunteyaiJ pratyavyiihata PiilJ.~avaiJ / / Sal!Jjaya uviica /

Dhiirtarii$triilJ.Y anlkiini dr$tvii vyii~hiini PiilJ.~avaiJ / abhyabhii$ata dharmiitmii Dharmariijo Dhanal!Jjayam / / mahar$er vacaniit tiita vedayanti BrhaspateiJ / sal!Jhatiin yodhayed alpiin kiimal!J vistiirayed bahiin / / siicImukham anlkal!J syiid alpiiniil!J bahubhiiJ saha /

a~iikal!J ca tathii sainyam alplyaiJ sutariil!J paraiiJ / / etad vacanam iijniiya mahar$er vyiiha PiilJ.~ava / tac chrutvii Dharmariijasya pratyabhii$ata PhalgunaiJ / /

e$a vyiihiimi te riijan vyiihal!J paramadurjayam / acalal!J niima Vajriikhyal!J vihital!J VajrapiilJ.inii / /

yaiJ sa viita ivoddhiitaiJ samare duiJsahaiJ paraiiJ / sa naiJ puro yotsyati vai BhJmaiJ praharatiil!J varaiJ / /

tejiil!Jsi ripusainyiiniil!J mrdnan puru$asattamaiJ /

agre 'gralJ.1r yiisyati no yuddhopayavicak$alJ.aiJ / /

yal!J dr$tvii piirthiviiiJ sarve DuryodhanapurogamiiiJ / nivarti$yanti sal!JbhriintiiiJ sil!Jhal!J k$udramrgii iva / / tal!J sarve sal!Jsrayi$yiimaiJ priikiiram akutobhayam /

Bhlmal!J praharatiil!J sre$thal!J VajrapiilJ.im iviimariiiJ / /

na hi so 'sti pumiil!Jlloke yaiJ sal!Jkruddhal!J Vrkodaram / dra$tum atyugrakarmiilJ.al!J vi$aheta narar$abham / /

Bhlmaseno gadiil!J bibhrad vajrasiiramayII!J dr~hiim / caran vegena mahatii samudram api sO$ayet / /

Kekayii Dhr$taketus ca Cekitiinas ca vlryaviin / ete ti$thanti siimiityiiiJ prek$akiis te naresvara /

Dhrtarii$trasya diiyiidii iti Blbhatsur abravIt / / bruviilJ.al!J tu tathii Piirthal!J sarvasainyiini miiri$a /

apiijayal!Js tadii viigbhir anukiiliibhir iihave / / evam uktvii mahiibiihus tathii cakre Dhanal!JjayaiJ /

vyiihya tiini baliiny iisu prayayau Phalgunas tadii / / sal!Jprayiitiin Kuriin dr$tvii PiiMaviiniil!J mahacamiiiJ /

Gaizgeva piirlJ.ii stimitii syandamiinii vyadrsyata / / Bhlmaseno 'gralJ.Is te$iil!J Dhr$tadyumnas ca Piir$ataiJ /

NakulaiJ Sahadevas ca Dhr$taketus ca vlryaviin / / samudyojya tataiJ pasciid riijiipy ak$auhilJ.1vrtaiJ /

bhriitrbhiiJ saha putrais ca so 'bhyarak$ata pr$thataiJ / / cakrarak$au tu Bhlmasya Miidrlputrau mahiidyutI /

DraupadeyiiiJ sa-SaubhadriiiJ pr$thagopiis tarasvinaiJ / / Dhr$tadyumnas ca Piinciilyas te$iil!J goptii mahiirathaiJ /

sahitaiJ prtaniisiirai rathamukhyaiiJ PrabhadrakaiiJ / / SikhalJ.~I tu tataiJ pasciid Arjuneniibhirak$itaiJ / yatto BhI$maviniisiiya prayayau Bharatar$abha / /

(

5

10

15

20

The Book of the Bhagavadgltii

against him, how did he array his smaller forces in defense? How did t e son of PaI,lQ.u and Kunti set up his defenses against Bhi'~ma, who knew the battle formations of men. Gods. Gandharvas. and Asuras?

Sal!Jjaya said:

57

When the law-spirited King Dharma PaI,lQ.ava saw the armies of the Dhartara~tra. he said to Dhanarpjaya. "Brother. we know from the instructions of the great seer Brhaspati that one should keep a smaller force tight, but spread out superior numbers at will. The formation of fewer troops against superior forces should be needle pointed - and our army is far outnumber~y tb,e n my.,. Form the defense ac20rding 'to the greats eer's counsel. PaI,lQ.ava I"

At King Dharma's words Phalguna replied. "I shall set up the virtually invincible formation of the unshaken Thunderbolt. which was invented by the God who wields the thunderbolt. king. Bhima. the greatest warrior of them all. who like a raging gale is impossible to withstand in battle by any enemy. shall fight at our head. That best of men. who is shrewd in the ways of war. shall be our front-line warrior and shatter the might of the enemy armies. When they see him. all the kings who follow Duryodhana will flee in confusion as small game before a lion. All of us will cling to Bhima. greatest of warlords. as to a rampart where fear stops, as the Immortals cling to the Thunderbolt-Wielder. For there is no man on earth who can face up to the raging Wolf-Belly. that bull-like man of ferocious feats. Brandishing his diamond-hard club. Bhimasena would lay dry the ocean itself if he attacked it with his tremendous speed. The Kekayas. Dhr~taketu, and the heroic Cekitana stand here with their councilors looking to you, king of men, knowing we are the heirs of Dhrtara~tra!" So spoke the Terrifier. and at his words. friend. all the troops praised the Partha with apposite words on that field of battle.

When Dhanarpjaya of the mighty arms had spoken. he. Phalguna. ordered the forces quickly and advanced. The vast army of the PaI,lQ.avas. sighting the Kurus who were on the march. appeared like the dense stream of the rain-filled Ganges. Bhimasena led the vanguard with Dhr~tadyumna par:?ata. Nakula. Sahadeva. and the valiant Dhr~taketu. Behind them the king himself had marshaled the grand army that surrounded him and with brothers and sons protected the rear. The two illustrious sons of Madri were Bhima's wheel guards. while the fierce Saubhadra and Draupadeyas1 guarded his back. The great warrior Dhr:?tadyumna Paficalya covered them in turn along with the champions of his army and excellent armsmen. the Prabhadrakas. 8ikhaI,lQ.in was behind them. protected by Arjuna; and dedicated to the destruction of Bhi:?ma. he advanced. bull of the

58 6(63) 19 The Book oj the Bhagavadglta

pf$thagopo 'rjunasyiipi Yuyudhiino mahiirathab /

cakraraklJau tu Piii'iciilyau Yudhiimanyuttamaujasau / / riijii tu madhyamiinlke Kuntlputro YudhilJthirab / brhadbhib kui'ijarair mattais caladbhir acalair iva / /

25 aklJauhilJyii ca Piii'iciilyo Yaji'iaseno mahiimaniib /

Viriitam anvayiit pasciit PiilJ~aviirthe pariikraml / / telJiim iidityacandriibhiib kanakottamabhulJalJiib /

niiniicihnadharii riijan rathelJv iisan mahiidhvajiib / / samutsarpya tatab pasciid DhrlJtadyumno mahiirathab / bhriitrbhib saha putrais ca so 'bhyaraklJad YudhilJthiram / / tvadlyiinii/fl parelJii/fl ca rathelJu vividhiin dhvajiin / abhibhuya-Arjunasyaiko dhvajas tasthau mahiikapib / /

piidiitiis tv agrato 'gac!chann asisaktyrlJtipiilJayab / anekasatasiihasrii Bhlmasenasya raklJilJab / /

30 viiralJii dasasiihasriib prabhinnakaratiimukhiib / surii hemamayair jiilair dipyamiinii iviicaliib / / klJaranta iva jimutii madiirdriib padmagandhinab / riijiinam anvayub pasciic calanta iva parvatiib / /

Bhlmaseno gadii/fl bhlmii/fl prakarlJan parighopamiim / pracakarlJa mahat sainya/fl duriidharlJo mahiimaniib / /

tam arkam iva dUlJpreklJya/fl tapanta/fl rasmimiilinam / na sekub sarvato yodhiib prativlklJitum antike / /

Vajro niimailJa tu vyuho durbhidab sarvatomukhab / ciipavidyuddhvajo ghoro gupto GiilJ~lvadhanvanii / /

35 ya/fl prativyuhya tilJthanti PiilJ~aviis tava viihinlm / ajeyo miinulJe lake PiilJ~avair abhiraklJitab / / sa/fldhyii/fl tilJthatsu sainyelJu suryasyodayana/fl prati / priiviit saprlJato viiyur anabhre stanayitnumiin / / vilJvagviitiis ca viinty ugrii nlcaib sarkarakarlJilJab /

rajas coddhuyamiina/fl tu tamasiicchiidayaj jagat / / papiita mahatl colkii priinmukhl BharatarlJabha /

udyanta/fl suryam iihatya vyasIryata mahiisvanii / / atha sajjIyamiinelJu sainyelJu BharatarlJabha /

nilJprabho 'bhyudiyiit suryab sagholJo bhus caciila ha vyasIryata saniidii ca tadii Bharatasattama / /

40 nirghiitii bahavo riijan diklJu sarviisu ciibhavan / priidur iisId rajas tlvra/fl na priiji'iiiyata ki/flcana / /

dhvajiinii/fl dhuyamiiniinii/fl sahasii miitarisvanii / kinkilJIjiilanaddhiinii/fl kiii'icanasragvatii/fl ravaib / / mahatii/fl sapatiikiiniim iidityasamatejasiim / sarva/fl jhalJajhalJIbhutam iislt tiilavanelJv iva / /

eva/fl te purulJavyiighriib PiilJ~avii yuddhanandinab / vyavasthitiib prativyuhya tava putrasya viihinlm / /

sra/flsanta iva majjiino yodhiinii/fl BharatarlJabha / drlJtviigrato BhImasena/fl gadiipiilJim avasthitam / /

\

25

30

35

40

The Book oj the BhagavadgIta 59

Bharatas. The great warrior Yuyudhana covered Arjuna's back. while Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas of Paficala guarded his wheels.

King Yudhi~thira. son of KuntL was in the center of the army with massive. crazed elephants like walking mountains. The great-minded Yajfiasena of Paficala followed behind Virata with his grand army. ready to show his prowess in the cause of the Par.H;lava. There were tall standards on their chariots. king. luminous like sun and moon. adorned with the finest gold and bearing many emblems. Behind them came up the great warlord DhJ;'~tadyumna with his brothers and sons to protect Yudhi~thira. Dwarfing the standards on the chariots of your men and the enemy stood the single standard of Arjuna. his great ape.

Ahead of Bhimasena as his vanguard marched many hundreds of thousands of footmen armed with swords. spears. and javelins. Tens of thousands of elephants with their temple glands running. brave, mountainous beasts sparkling with golden caparisons like streaming rain clouds. moist with rut. fragrant like lotuses. followed behind the king like moving hills. Bhimasena. shrewd and invincible. who dragged behind him his terrible bludgeon-like club. pulled along a vast force. The warriors who stood close by him were unable to look at him from any side. for he was as hard on the eyes as the burning ray-garlanded sun.

This was the Thunderbolt formation. lightning-flagged with bows. unbreakable. terrifyingly pointing in every direction and watched over by the Gar.H;liva bowman.2 which the Par:H;lavas had marshaled against your army. sire. a formation invincible in the world of men since it was protected by the paQ.Qavas themselves.

When at dawn the troops were waiting for the sun to rise. a moist breeze began to blow and there was thunder in the clear sky. Fierce whirling winds blew close to the ground carrying gravel, and the stirred-up dust covered the world with darkness. A large fireball streaked through the sky to the east. bull of the Bharatas. hit the rising sun. and exploded with a huge noise. And while the troops were being put on alert. bull of the Bharatas. a lusterless sun rose noisily. and the earth trembled and cracked open with rumblings. chief of the Bharatas. There were many portents in all directions. king. and so thick was the dust that rose that nothing could be seen. The banners. suddenly shaken by the wind and ringing with their streams. of bell-strings and golden wreaths. the lofty pennant-flying banners that sparkled like the sun. made the sustained rustling noise one hears in palmyra forests.

And so the tigerlike. war-loving paQ.Qavas arrayed themselves in defensive formation against your son's army as though tapping the very marrow of your warriors with the spectacle of Bhimasena standing up front with his club in his hand. bull of the Bharatas.

60 6(63) 20 The Book of the Bhagavadgltii

Dhrtarii$tra uviica / 20.1 suryodaye Sarrzjaya ke nu purvarrz

yuyutsavo hr$yamiilJii iviisan / miimakii vii Bhl$manetriih samlke

PiilJ~avii vii Bhlmanetriis tadiinlm / / ke$iirrz jaghanyau somasuryau saviiyu

ke$iirrz seniirrz sViipadii vyiibha$anta / ke$iirrz yuniirrz mukhavarlJiih prasanniih

sarvarrz hy etad bruhi tattvarrz yathiivat / / Sarrzjaya uviica / ubhe sene tulyam ivopayiite

ubhe vyuhe hr$tarupe narendra / ubhe citre vanariijiprakiise

tathaivobhe niigarathiisvapurlJe / / ubhe sene brhatI bhlmarupe

tathaivobhe Bhiirata durvi.~ahye / tathaivobhe svargajayiiya Sr$te

tathii hy ubhe satpuru$iiryagupte / / 5 pasciinmukhiih Kuravo Dhiirtarii$triih

sthitiih Piirthiih priinmukhii yotsyamiiniih / Daityendraseneva ca KauraviilJiirrz

devendraseneva ca PiilJ~aviiniim / / sukro viiyuh pr$thatah PiilJ~aviiniirrz

Dhiirtarii$triifi sViipadii vyiibha$anta / gajendriilJiirrz madagandhiirrzs ca tIvriin

na sehire tava putrasya niigiih / / Duryodhano hastinarrz padmavan.1arrz

suvarlJakak$yarrz jiitibala171 prabhinnam / samiisthito madhyagatah Kuru~liirrz

sarrzstuyamiino bandibhir miigadhais ca / / candraprabharrz svetam asyiitapatrarrz

sauvarlJl srag bhriijate cottamiinge / tarrz sarvatah Sakunih piirvatIyaih

siirdharrz Giindhiiraih piiti Giindhiirariijah / / Bhl$mo 'gratah sarvasainyasya vrddhah

svetacchatrah svetadhanuh sasarikhah / sveto$lJl$ah piilJ~urelJa dhvajena

svetair asvaih svetasailaprakiisah / / 10 tasya sainyarrz Dhiirtarii$triis ca sarve

BiihIlkiiniim ekadesah Salas ca /

20.1

5

10

The Book of the Bhagavadgltii

Dhrtarii$tra said: When the SUfi. had risen, who were the first To exult in this battle, 0 Sarpjaya. My troops who were. led to the war by Bhi~ma, .Dr the Pal).Q.avas who.were then guarded by Bhi~a?

Against whom rose the sun and the moon and the wind? Against which of'the troops did the predators roar? Which youths showed faces serene of color? Tell all of it, just as it really happened!

Sarrzjaya said: Both armies at march were much the same: Both were in formation and were of good cheer, Both looked in their colors like ridges of forest, Both teemed with elephants, chariots, horses.

Both armies were vast and ferocious-looking, Both, Bharata, were irresistible, They both poured out to conquer heaven, Both were in the care of good, noble men.

The Kurus of Dhrtara~tra faced west, The bellicose Pal).Q.avas looked to the east; The Kauravas were like the army of Daityas, The pal).Q.avas' host was like that of the Gods.

The Pal).Q.avas had a good wind behind them, Wild beasts roared against the Dhartara~tras, And your son's elephants could not endure The sharp pungent rut of the tuskers in front.

In the midst of his Kurus Duryodhana, Who was glorified by his minstrels and bards, Rode a lotus-dot elephant, strong as its kind, With its ichor juice flowing, in a howdah of gold.

An umbrella as white as the moon, and a chaplet That was wrought out of gold dazzled over his head, And Sakuni, king of Gandhara, stood guard Over him on all sides with his mountain troops.

In front of his host rode ancient Bhi~ma, With conch, white bow and white umbrella, And turbaned in white and bannered in white And drawn by white steeds, like the Snow-White Mountain.

All your sons, Dhrtara~tra, were in his army, As were Sala with part of the BahHka forces,

61

62 6( 63) 20- 21 The Book oj the Bhagavadgltii

ye ca-Amba$thiiJ:z k$atriyii ye ca Sindhau tathii SauvlriiJ:z Paficanadiis ca siiriiJ:z / /

s01J.air hayai rukmaratho mahiitmii Dro1J.o mahiibiihur adlnasattvaJ:z /

iiste guruJ:z prayasiiJ:z sarvariijfiiirrz pasciic camiim Indra iViibhirak$an / /

Viirddhak$atriJ:z sarvasainyasya madhye BhiirisraviiJ:z Purumitro ]ayas ca /

Siilvii MatsyiiJ:z Kekayiis ciipi sarve gajiinlkair bhriitaro yotsyamiiniiJ:z / /

Siiradvatas cottaradhiir mahiitmii mahe$viiso Gautamiis citrayodhI /

SakaiJ:z Kiriitair YavanaiJ:z Pahlavais ca siirdharrz camiim uttarato 'bhipiiti / /

mahiirathair Andhaka-Vr$1J.i-BhojaiJ:z Saurii$trakair Nairrtair iittasastraiJ:z /

brhadbalaJ:z Krtavarmiibhigupto balarrz tvadlyarrz dak$i1J.ato 'bhipiiti / /

15 Sarrzsaptakiiniim ayutarrz rathiiniirrz mrtyur jay a vii-Arjunasyeti sr$tiiJ:z /

yena-Arjunas tena riijan krtiistriiJ:z prayiitii vai te Trigartiis ca siiriiJ:z / /

siigrarrz satasahasrarrz tu niigiiniirrz tava Bhiirata / niige niige rathasatarrz satarrz ciisvii rathe rathe / / asve 'sve dasa dhiinu$kii dhiinu$ke dasa carmi1J.aJ:z / evarrz vyii~hiiny anlkiini BhI$me1J.a tava Bhiirata / / avyiihan miinu$arrz vyiiharrz daivarrz giindharvam iisuram / divase divase priipte BhI$maJ:z Siirrztanavo 'gra1J.IJ:z / / mahiirathaughavipulaJ:z samudra iva parva1J.i / BhI$me1J.a Dhiirtarii$trii1J.iirrz vyiihaJ:z pratYal1mukho yudhi / /

20 anantariipii dhvajinI tvadlyii narendra bhlmii na tu Pii1J.~aviiniim /

tiirrz tv eva manye brhatIrrz dU$pradhr$yiirrz yasyii netiirau Kesavas ca-Arjunas ca / /

21.1 Sarrzjaya uviica / brhatIrrz Dhiirtarii$trii1J.iirrz dr$tvii seniirrz samud.l1atiim / vi$iidam agamad riijii Kuntiputro Yudhi$thira~l / / vyiiharrz BhI$me1J.a ciibhedyarrz kalpitarrz prek$ya Pii1J.~ava~l / abhedyam iva sarrzprek$ya vi$a1J.1J.o 'rjunam abravit / / Dhanarrzjaya katharrz sa~yam asmiibhir yoddhum iihave / Dhiirtarii$trair mahiibiiho ye$ii rrz yoddhii pitiimahaJ:z / /

(

The Book oj the Bhagavadgltii

The Amba~tha barons, and those from the Sindhu, The Sauviras and knights from the Land of Five Rivers.

On a chariot of gold with blood-red horses Stood great-souled, strong-armed, cheerful DroI).a, Renowned as the teacher of all those kings, Who like Indra protected the rear of the army.

In the army's center were Varddhak~atri, Purumitra, Jaya, and Bhiirisravas, The Salvas, the Matsyas, and Kekayas all, The warlike brethren, with elephant troops.

Great-souled Saradvata, northern commander, Great archer and marvelous fighter himself, Rode guard on the host from the north with his troops Of Yavanas, Pahlavas, Kiratas, and Sakas.

The strong Krtavarman, protected by warriors Of the Andhakas, Vr~I).is, and Bhojas, as well As Saura~tras and Naiqtas drawing their blades, Rode guard on that army of yours on the south.

63

15 The ten thousand chariots of the Sworn Warriors Who were made for Arjuna's triumph or death, Were ready to strike where Arjuna went, And there marched the Trigarta champions as well.

You had at least a hundred thousand elephants in the field, Bharata, and for every elephant a hundred chariots, for every chariot a hundred horsemen, for every horse ten archers, for every archer ten men with shields. Thus had Bhi~ma arrayed the troops, Bharata. From day to day Bhi~ma Sarptanava, your marshal, rearrayed them in formations devised by men, Gods, Gandharvas, and Asuras. And this army of the Dhartara~tras, billowing like the ocean at full moon, arrayed by Bhi~ma, faced west on the field of battle.

.... Your fearful, flag-bearing ar~y, 0 king, 1/7 J A 0 Outnumbered the paI).

64 6( 63) 21 - 22 The Book of the Bhagavadgita

ak$obhyo 'yam abhedyas ca Bhi$mer.ziimitrakarsinii / kalpita1; siistradr$tena vidhinii bhiiritejasii / /

5 te vayarrz sarrzsayarrz priiptii1; sasainyii1; satrukarsana / katham asmiin mahiivyiihiid udyiinarrz no bhavi$yati / / atha-Arjuno 'bravlt Piirtharrz Yudhi$thiram amitrahii / vi$ar.zr.zam abhisarrzprek$ya tava riijann anlkinlm / / prajfiayiibhyadhikiifi siiriin gur.zayuktiin bahiin api / jayanty alpatarii yena tan nibodha visiirrz pate / / tat tu te kiirar.zarrz riijan pravak$yiimy anasiiyave / Niiradas tam r$ir veda Bhl$ma-Dror.zau ca Piir.zt;lava / / etam eviirtham iisritya yuddhe deviisure 'bravlt / pitiimaha1; kila purii Mahendriidln divaukasa1; / /

10 a tathii balavlrYiibhYiirrz vijayante jigl$ava1; / yathii satyiinrsarrzsyiibhyiirrz dharmer.zaivodyamena ca / / tyaktviidharmarrz ca Iobharrz ca moharrz codyamam iisthitii1; / yudhyadhvam anaharrzkiirii yato dharmas tato jaya1; / / evarrz riijan vijiinlhi dhruvo 'smiikarrz rar.ze jaya1; / yathii me Niirada1; priiha yata1; Kmlas tato jaya1; / / gur.zabhiito jaya1; Kr$r.ze pr$thato 'nveti Miidhavam / anyathii vijayas ciisya sarrznatis ciiparo gur.za1; / / anantatejii Govinda1; satrupiige$u nirvyatha1; / puru$a1; saniitanatamo yata1; Kr$r.zas tato jaya1; / /

15 purii hy e$a Harir bhiitvii Vaikur.ztho 'ku r.zthasiiyaka1; / suriisuriin avasphiirjann abravit ke jayantv iti / / anu Kr$r.zarrz jayemeti yair uktarrz tatra tair jitam / tat prasiidiid dhi trailokyarrz priiptarrz Sakriidibhi1; surai1; / / tasya te na vyathiirrz kiirrzcid iha pasyiimi Bhiirata / yasya te jayam iisiiste visvabhuk tridasesvara1; / /

Sarrzjaya uviica / 22.1 tato Yudhi$thiro riijii sViirrz seniirrz samacodayat /

prativyiihann anlkiini Bhl$masya Bharatar$abha / / yathoddi$tiiny anlkiini pratyavyiihanta Piir.zt;lavii1; / svargarrz param abhlpsanta1; suyuddhena Kuriidvahii1; / / madhye Sikhar.zt;lino 'nlkarrz rak$itarrz Savyasiicinii / Dhr$tadyumnasya ca svayarrz Bhimena paripiilitam / / anlkarrz dak$ir.zarrz riijan Yuyudhiinena piilitam / srlmatii Siitvatiigryer.za Sakrer.zeva dhanu$matii / /

5 Mahendrayiinapratimarrz ratharrz tu sopaskararrz hiitakaratnacitram /

Yudhi$thira1; kiificanabhiir.zt;layoktrarrz samiisthito niigakulasya madhye / /

samucchritarrz diintasaliikam asya supiir.zt;lurarrz chatram atlva bhiiti /

The Book of the Bhagavadgita 65

prince? Bhi~ma, plougher of his enemies, who brims with vigor, has 5 made his army unshakable and unbreakable by the rules of scripture.

We and our troops are in danger, plougher of foes I How are we to escape from this overpowering battle plan?"

Enemy-killer Arjuna replieq to Yudhi~thira Partha, who was discouraged by the sight of your-arm-y, king, "Listen, lord of your people, how fewer men triumph over many talented and shrewd warriors. I shall tell you how, and do not gainsay me. The seer Narada knows 'it, paI,lc;l.ava, and so do Bhi~ma and DroI,la.

"It is told that Grandfather once said to great Indra and the other celestials concerning this very issue at the battle of Gods and Asuras,

10 'Those who seek victory win not so much by strength and might as Gytruth "and mercy, and by Law and enterprise-:- @>andoll1awlesslless, -gree and delusion, lie enterprising, and "thim fight without th~ught of ~ self. ~ere Law goes goes victor~I' ,So, know, king, that our victory

IS assured, for as Narada has told me, Where ~~I,la goes goes ~y.' Victory is a talent with_KJ;'~.Q.a, and it follows closely behind

'-the Madhava. And no less than victory is modesty a virtue with him. Govinda Qf infinite splendor stride~ unconcernedly among the multitudes of his enemies, the most everlasting man, and 'where

15 l

66

10

15

6(63) 22 The Book of the Bhagavadgitii.

pradak~ir.zarrz cainam upacaranti mahar~ayal;z sarrzstutibhir narendram / /

purohital;z satruvadharrz vadanto mahar~ivrddhal;z srutavanta eva /

japyais ca mantrais ca tathau~adhlbhil;z . samantatal;z svastyayanarrz pracakrul;z / /

tatal;z sa vastrar.zi tathaiva gas ca phalani pu~par.zi tathaiva ni~kan /

Kuruttamo brahmar.zasan mahatma kurvan yayau 8akra ivamarebhyal;z / /

sahasrasuryal;z satakinkir.zlkal;z parardhyajambiinadahemacitral;z /

ratho 'rjunasyagnir ivarcimall vibhrajate svetahayal;z sucakral;z / /

tam asthital;z Kesavasarrzgrh1tarrz kapidhvajarrz Gar.zr;fivabar.zahastal;z /

dhamJlrdharo yasya samal;z prthivyarrz na vidyate no bhavita va kadacit / /

udvartayi~yarrzs tava putrasenam atIva raudrarrz sa bibharti riipam /

anayudho yal;z subhujo bhujabhyarrz narasvanagan yudhi bhasma kuryat / /

sa Bhlmasenal;z sahito yamabhyarrz Vrkodaro vlrarathasya gopta /

tarrz prek~ya mattar~abhasirrzhakhelarrz loke Mahendrapratimanakalpam / /

samlk~ya senagragatarrz durasadarrz pravivyathul;z pankagata ivo~tral;z /

Vrkodararrz varar.zarajadarparrz yodhas tvadlya bhayavignasattval;z / /

anlkamadhye ti~thantarrz rajaputrarrz durasadam / abravld Bharatasre~tharrz Gur;fakesarrz Janardanal;z / / Vasudeva uvaca / ya e~a gopta pratapan balastho

yo nal;z senarrz sirrzha ivek~ate ca / sa e~a BhI~mal;z Kuruvarrzsaketur

yenahrtas trirrzsato vajimedhal;z / / etany anikani mahanubhavarrz

giihanti megha iva gharmarasmim / etani hatvii puru~apravlra

kank~asva yuddharrz Bharatar~abher.za / /

10

15

tJ'he Book of the Bhagavadgitii.

And the seers performed circumambulation And with litanies iauded the king of men.

The priests who predicted the death of his foes And the grand old seers who were steeped in the Vedas Pronounced with prayers, mantras, and herbs Around him the blessings to speed his campaign.

The great-souled chief of the Kurus bestowed On the brahmins cattle as well as clothes, And flowers and fruit and breastplates of gold, And departed like Indra among the Immortals.

With hundreds of bells. and sparkling with fine Jambiinada gold like a thousand suns Did Arjuna's well-wheeled. white-teamed chariot Blaze forth like fire with its garland of flames.

And the ape-bannered hero. with Kesava1 driving. With his GaQ.c;liva bow and arrows in hand. Advanced. the archer whose equal on earth Has never been nor shall ever be.

The future destroyer of your sons' army Who now bore an aspect exceedingly fearsome. He who strong-armed though unarmed with his bare arms Burned elephants, horses. and men in a battle:

He Bhimasena the Wolf-Belly guarded With the twins the chariot of Arjuna; And spying him. image of Indra on earth. A raging bull and a lion in sport.

That fort of a man in front of the army, Wolf-Belly as proud as an elephant king. Your warriors felt mettle ebbing in terror And shivered like camels enmeshed in the mud.

J anardana said to Bharata chief Guc;lakesa. the unassailable son of a King who stoqd in the middle of the troops.

Vasudeva said: There stands he. Bhi~ma. the Kauravas' standard. The commander ablaze in the midst of his troops. Who looks like a lion upon our army, Who thirty times offered the Rite of the Horse.

The majestic man is covered by troops As rain clouds cover the hot-rayed sun: Destroy them all. thou hero of men,

""l\bd seek to combat t atBharata'"bulil . -"""

6 7

68

20

6(63) 22- 23[1] The Book oj the Bhagavadglta

Dhrtarii$tra uviica / ke$iirrz prahr$tiis tatriigre yodhii yudhyanti Sarrzjaya / udagramanasaJ:z ke 'tra ke vii dInii vicetasaJ:z / / ke piirvarrz priihararrzs tatra yuddhe hrdayakampane / miimakiiJ:z PiilJr;laviiniirrz vii tan mamiicak$va Sarrzjaya / / kasya seniisamudaye gandhamiilyasamudbhavaJ:z / viicaJ:z pradak$ilJiis caiva yodhiiniim abhigarjatiim / / Sarrzjaya uviica / ubhayoJ:z senayos tatra yodhii jahr$ire mudii / sragdhiipapiinagandhiiniim ubhayatra samudbhavaJ:z / / sarrzhatiiniim anIkiiniirrz vyiir;lhiiniirrz Bharatar$abha / sarrzsarpatiim ud1rIJiiniirrz vimardaJ:z sumahiin abhiit / / viiditrasabdas tumulaJ:z sankhabherlvimisritaJ:z / kunjariilJiirrz ca nadatiirrz sainyiiniirrz ca prahr$yatiim / /

Dhrtarii$tra uviica / 23 [1].1 dharmak$etre Kuruk$etre samavetii yuyutsavaJ:z /

miimakiiJ:z PiilJr;laviis caiva kim akurvata Sarrzjaya / / Sal11jaya uviica / dr$tvii tu PiilJr;laviinIkal11 vyiir;lhal11 Duryodhanas tadii / iiciiryam upasarrzgamya riijii vacanam abravlt / / pasyaitiirrz PiilJr;luputriilJiim iiciirya mahatlrrz camiim / vyiir;lhiirrz DrupadaputrelJa tava si$yelJa dhfmatii / / atra siirii mahe~viisii BhIma-Arjunasamii yudhi / Yuyudhiino Viriitas ca Drupadas ca mahiirathaJ:z / /

5 Dhr$taketus CekitiinaJ:z Kiisiriijas ca vlryaviin / Purujit Kuntibhojas ca Saibyas ca narapurrzgavaJ:z / / Yudhiimanyus ca vikriinta Uttamaujiis ca vlryaviin / Saubhadro Draupadeyiis ca sarva eva mahiirathiiJ:z / / asmiikarrz tu visi$tii ye tiin nibodha dvijottama / niiyakii mama sainyasya sarrzjniirtharrz tiin bravlmi te / / bhaviin BhI$mas ca KarlJas ca Krpas ca samitirrzjayaJ:z / Asvatthiimii VikarlJas ca Saumadattis tathaiva ca / / anye ca bahavaJ:z siirii madarthe tyaktajlvitiiJ:z / niiniisastrapraharalJiiJ:z sarve yuddhavisiiradiiJ:z / /

10 aparyiiptarrz tad asmiikarrz balarrz Bhlmiibhirak$itam / paryiiptarrz tv idam ete$iirrz balarrz BhI$miibhirak$itam / / ayane$u ca sarve$u yathiibhiigam avasthitiiJ:z / BhI$mam eViibhirak$antu bhavantaJ:z sarva eva hi / / tasya sarrzjanayan har$arrz KuruvrddhaJ:z pitiimaha(l / sirrzhaniidarrz vinadyoccaiJ:z sankharrz dadhmau pratiipaviin / / tataJ:z sankhiis ca bheryas ca palJaviinakagomukhiiJ:z / sahasaiviibhyahanyanta sa sabdas tumulo 'bhavat / / tataJ:z svetair hayair yukte mahati syandane sthitau / MiidhavaJ:z PiilJr;lavas caiva divyau sankhau pradadhmatuJ:z / /

I

20

The Book oj the BhagavadgIta 69

Dhrtariistra said: Whose ~arriors. Sarpjaya. were the first to give battle exultantly?

Who were in cheerful spirits there? Who lost heart and wits? Who were the first to strike in that heart-shattering war. my men or the Pal).Q.avas ? Sarpjaya. tell me I In whose multitudinous army was there a smell of fragrant flowers. and was the speech of the thunderous warriors devout?

Sarrzjaya said: The warriors in both armies exulted. and in both rose a fragrance

of flowers and incense. The first clash of the massed. marshaled troops that slowly and proudly advanced was magnificent. and the sound of music mixed with peals of conches and drums and the noise of roaring elephants and churning troops were deafening.

Dhrtarii$tra said: 23[1].1 When in the Field of the Kurus. the Field of the Law. my troops

and the Pal).Q.avas had massed belligerently. what did they do. Sarpjaya?

Sarrzjaya said: When King Duryodhana saw the Pal).Q.avas army arrayed. he

approached the Teacher and said. "Look at that mighty host of the sons of Pandu. marshaled by Drupada's son.l your sagacious student I There are ~hampions there. great archers. the' likes of Bhlma and

5 Arjuna in battle - Yuyudhana. Virata. the great warrior Drupada. Dhrstaketu. Cekitana. the gallant king of the Kasis. Purujit Kuntibhoja. and 'the Saibya. a bull among men. valiant Yudhamanyu and gallant Uttamaujas. Saubhadra and the Draupadeyas. all good warriors. But now hear. best of brahmins. about our outstanding men. the leaders of my army. I mention them by name: yourself. Bhl:;;ma. Karl).a. KJ;'pa. Samitirpjaya. Asvatthaman. Vikarl).a. the son of Somadatta. and many other heroes who are laying down their lives for me. all experienced

10 fighters with' many kinds of weapons. Their army. protected by Bhlma. is no match for us. but this army. protected by Bhi:;;ma~ls a match for ' them. II of you. stationed at your positions. must defend Bhi:;;ma at a I passages I"

Then grandfather. the majestic elder of the Kurus. roared loud his lion's roar. bringing joy to Duryodhana. and blew his conch. On a sudden. thereupon. conches. kettledrums. cymbals. drums and clarions were sounded. and there was a terrifying noise. The Madhava and pal).Q.ava. standing on their chariot yoked with the four white horses.

70 6(63) 23[I} The Book of the Bhagavadgltii

15 Piincajanyarrz Hr$Ikeso Devadattarrz Dhanarrzjayab / Paw:u,lrarrz dadhmau mahiisankharrz bhlmakarmii Vrkodarab / / Anantavijayarrz riijii Kuntlputro Yudhi$thirab / Nakulab Sahadevas ca Sugho$a-Mar,zipu$pakau / / Kiisyas ca parame$viisab Sikhar,z(ll ca mahiirathab / . Dhr$tadyumno Viriitas ca Siityakis ciipariijitab / / Drupado Draupadeyiis ca sarvasab prthivlpate / Saubhadras ca mahiibiihub sankhiin dadhmub prthak prthak / / sa gho$o Dhiirtarii$triir,ziirrz hrdayiini vyadiirayat / nab has ca prthivlrrz caiva tumulo vyanuniidayat / /

20 atha vyavasthitiin dr$tvii Dhiirtarii$triin kapidhvajab / pravrtte sastrasarrzpiite dhanur udyamya Piir,z(lavab / / Hr$lkesarrz tadii viikyam idam iiha mahlpate / senayor ubhayor madhye ratharrz sthiipaya me 'cyuta / / yiivad etiin nirlk$e 'harrz yoddhukiimiin avasthitiin / kair mayii saha yoddhavyam asmin rar,zasamudyame / / yotsyamiiniin avek$e 'harrz ya ete 'tra samiigatiib / Dhiirtarii$trasya durbuddher yuddhe priyaciklr$avab / / evam ukto Hr$lkeso Gu(liikesena Bhiirata / senayor ubhayor madhye sthiipayitvii r.athottamam / /

25 Bhl$ma-Dror,zapramukhatab sarve$iirrz ca mahlk$itiim / uviica Piirtha pasyaitiin samavetiin KUrlln iti / / tatriipasyat sthitiin Piirthab pitFn atha pitiimahiin / iiciiryiin miituliin bhriitfn putriin pautriin sakhlrrzs tathii / / svasuriin suhrdas caiva senayor ubhayor api / tiin samlk$ya sa Kaunteyab sarviin bandhiln avasthitiin / / krpayii parayiivi$to vi$ldann idam abravlt / Arjuna uviica / dr$tvemiin svajaniin Kr$r,za yuyutsiln samavasthitiin / / sldanti mama giitriir,zi mukharrz ca parisu$yati / vepathus ca sarlre me romahar$as ca jiiyate / /

30 Giir,z(llvarrz srarrzsate hastiit tvak caiva paridahyate / na ca saknomy avasthiiturrz bhramatlva ca me manab / / nimittiini ca pasyiimi viparItiini Kesava / na ca sreyo 'nupasyiimi hatvii svajanam iihave / / na kiink$e vijayarrz Kr$r,za na ca riijyarrz sukhiini ca / kirrz no riijyena Govinda kirrz bhogair jlvitena vii / / ye$iim arthe kiink$itarrz no riijyarrz bhogiib sukhiini ca / ta eva nab sthitii yoddhurrz priir,ziirrzs tyaktvii sudustyajiin / / iiciiryiib pitarab putriis tathaiva ca pitiimahiib / miituliib svasuriib pautriib syiiliib sarrzbandhinas tathii / /

35 etiin na hantum icchiimi ghnato 'pi Madhusildana / api trailokyariijyasya hetob kirrz nu mahlkrte / / nihatya Dhiirtariilitriin nab kii prltib syiij Janiirdana / piipam eviisrayed asmiin hatvaitiin iitatiiyinab / /

15

20

25

30

35

The Book of the BhagavadgItii 71

both blew their conches- HJ;~ikesa2 his paficajanya. Dhanarpjaya his Devadatta. Wolf-Belly of the terrible deeds blew his great conch Paundra. Nakula and Sahadeva their Sugho~a and MaJ).ipu~paka. The Kasi' king. a great archer. the mighty warrior SikhaJ).Qin. DhJ;~tadyumna. Virata and the undefeated Satyaki. Drupada and all the Draupadeyas. 0 king of the earth. and strong-armed Saubhadra. each blew his conch. The sound rent the hearts of the Dhartara~tras and reverberated fearfully through sky and earth.

The ape-bannered PaJ).c;lava. seeing the Dhartara~tras in position. lifted his bow when the clash of arms began. 0 king. and said to HJ;~ikesa. "Acyuta. station my chariot in between the two armies. far enough for me to see the eager warriors in position-for. whom am I to fight in this enterprise of war? I want to see the men who are . about to give battle. who have come together here to do a favor to the evil-spirited Duryodhana."

At Guc;lakesa's words. 0 Bharata. HJ;~ikesa stationed the fine chariot between the two armies. before Bhi~ma. DroJ).a and all the kings. and he said to the Partha. "Behold the Kurus assembled!" The Partha saw them stand there. fathers. grandfathers. teachers. maternal uncles. brothers. sons. grandsons. friends. fathers-in-law. and good companions. in both armies. Watching all his relatives stand arrayed. he was overcome with the greatest compassion. and he said despairingly. "KJ;~J).a. when I see all my family poised for war. my limbs falter and my mouth goes dry. There is a tremor in my body and my hairs bristle. GaJ).c;liva is slipping from my hand and my skin is burning. I am not able to hold my ground and my mind seems to whirl. And I see contrary portents. Kesava. but I see no good to come from killing my family in battle! I do not wish victory. Kesava. nor kingship and pleasures. What use is kingship to us. Govinda? What use are comforts and life? The very men for whose sake we want kingship. comforts. and joy. stand in line to battle us. forfeiting their hard-to-relinquish lives! Teachers. fathers. sons. grandfathers. maternal uncles. fathers-in-law. grandsons. brothers-in-law. and other relatives-in-Iaw - I do not want to kill them. though they be killers. Madhusudana. even for the sovereignty of the three worlds. let alone earth!

"What joy is left. J anardana. after we have killed the Dhartara~tras? Nothing but guilt will accrue to us if we kill these assassins! Therefore

72

40

45

6(63) 23[1J- 24(2J The Book oj the Bhagavadgitii

tasmiin niirhii vayarrz hanturrz Dhiirtarii$triin sabiindhaviin / svajanarrz hi katharrz hatvii sukhina/:z syiima Miidhava / / yady apy ete na pasyanti lobhopahatacetasa/:z / kulak$ayakrtarrz dO$arrz mitradrohe ca piitakam / / katharrz na jneyam asmiibhi/:z piipiid asmiin nivartitum / kulak$ayakrtarrz dO$arrz prapasyadbhir Janiirdana / / kulak$aye pralJ.asyanti kuladharmii/:z saniitan(i/:z / dharme na$te kularrz krtsnam adharmo 'bhibhavaty uta / / adharmiibhibhaviit Kr$lJ.a pradu$yanti kulastriya/:z / strI$u dU$tiisu Viir$lJ.eya jiiyate varlJ.asarrzkara/:z / / sarrzkaro narakiiyaiva kulaghniiniirrz kulasya ca / patanti pitaro hy e$iirrz luptapilJ.cJodakakriyii/:z / / dO$air etai/:z kulaghniiniirrz varlJ.asarrzkarakiirakai/:z / utsiidyante jiitidharmii/:z kuladharmiis cil. siisvatii/:z / / utsannakuladharmiilJ.iirrz manu$yiilJ.iirrz Janiirdana / narake niyatarrz viiso bhavatIty anususruma / I' aho bata mahat piiparrz karturrz vyavasitii vayam / yad riijyasukhalobhena hanturrz svajanam udyatii/:z / / yadi miim apratIkiiram asastrarrz sastrapiilJ.aya/:z / Dhiirtarii$trii ralJ.e hanyus tan me k$ematararrz bhavet / / Sarrzjaya uviica / evam uktvii-Arjuna/:Z sarrzkhye rathopastha upiivisat / visrjya sasararrz ciiparrz sokasarrzvignamiinasa/:z / /

Sarrzjaya uviica / 24[2).1 tarrz tathii krpayiivi$tam asrupiirlJ.iikulek$alJ.am /

vi$Idantam idarrz viikyam uviica Madhusiidana/:z / / Srlbhagaviin uviica / kutas tvii kasmalam idarrz vi$ame samupasthitam / aniiryaju$tam asvargyam aklrtikaram Arjuna / / klaibyarrz mii sma gama/:z Piirtha naitat tvayy upapadyate / k$udrarrz hrdayadaurbalyarrz tyaktvotti$tha pararrztapa / / Arjuna uviica / katharrz BhI$mam aharrz sarrzkhye DrolJ.arrz ca Madhusiidana / i$ubhi/:z pratiyotsyiimi piijiirhiiv arisiidana / /

5 guriin ahatvii hi mahiinubhiiviin sreyo bhokturrz bhaik$am aplha lake /

hatviirthakiimiirrzs tu guriin ihaiva bhunjlya bhogiin rudhirapradigdhiin / /

na caitad vidma/:z kataran no garIyo yad vii jayema yadi vii no jayeyu/:z /

yiin eva hatvii na jijlvi$iimas te 'vasthitii/:z pramukhe Dhiirtarii$trii/:z / /

40

45

, The Book oj the Bhagavadgltii 73

we must not kill the Dhartara~tras and our kin, for how can we be happy when we have killed family, Madhava? Even if their minds are so sick with greed that they do not see the evil that is brought on by the destruction of family, and the crime that lurks in the betrayal of friendship, how can we fail to know enough to shrink from this crime, we who do see the evil brought on by the destruction of family, Janardana?

"With the destruction of family the eternal family Laws are destroyed. When Law is destroyed, lawlessness besets the entire family. From the prevalence of lawlessness the women of the family become corrupt, Kr~Q.a ; when the women are corrupt, there is class miscegenation, and miscegenation leads to hell for family killers and family. Their ancestors tumble, their rites of rice ball and water disrupted. These evils of family killers that bring about class miscegenation cause the sempiternal class Laws and family Laws to be cast aside. For men who have cast aside their family Laws a place in hell is assured, as we have been told.

"Woe! We have resolved to commit a great crime as we stand ready to kill family out of greed for kingship and pleasures! It were healthier for me if the Dhartara~tras , weapons in hand, were to kill me, unarmed and defenseless, on the battlefield I"

Having spoken thus, on that field of battle, Arjuna sat down in the chariot pit, letting go of arrows and bow, his heart anguished with grief.

Sarfzjaya said: 24[2].1 Then, to this Arjuna who was so overcome with compassion,

despairing, his troubled eyes filled with tears, Madhusudana said-The Lord said: Why has this mood come over you at this bad time, Arjuna, this

cowardice unseemly to the noble, not leading to heaven, dishonorable? Do not act like a eunuch, Partha, it does not become you I Rid yourself of this vulgar weakness of heart, stand up, enemy-burner!

Arjuna said: How can I fight back at Bhi~ma with my arrows in battle, or at

DroQ.a, Madhusiidana? Both deserve my homage, enemy-slayer I 5 It were better that without slaying my gurus

I went begging instead for alms in this land Than that I by slaying my covetous gurus Indulge in the joys that are dipped in their blood.

And we do not know what is better for us: That we defeat them or they defeat us; Dhrtara~tra's men are positioned before us, After killing whom we have nothing to live for.

74

10

15

20

6(63) 24(2] The Book oj the BhagavadgZtii

kiirpalJyado$opahatasvabhiiva/:z prcchiimi tvii dharmasarrzmCujhacetii/:z /

yac chreya/:z syiin niscitarrz bruhi tan me si$yas te 'harrz siidhi miirrz tviirrz prapannam / /

na hi prapasyiimi mamiipanudyiid yac chokam uccho$alJam indriyiilJiim /

aviipya bhumiiv asapatnam rddharrz riijyarrz suriilJiim api ciidhipatyam / /

Sarrzjaya uviica / evam uktvii Hr$lkesarrz Gu(lii.kesa/:z pararrztapa / na yotsya iti Govindam uktvii tU$lJ.lrrz babhuva ha / / tam uviica Hr$lkesa/:z prahasann iva Bhiirata / se~ayor ubhayor madhye vi$ldantam idarrz vaca/:z / / Snbhagaviin uviica / asocyiin anvasocas tvarrz prajfiiiviidiirrzs ca bhii$ase / gatiisun agatiisurrzs ca niinusocanti palJt;litii/:z / / na tv.eviiharrz jiitu niisarrz na tvarrz neme janiidhipii/:z / na Calva na bhavi$yiima/:z sarve vayam ata/:z param / / dehi~o 'smin yathii dehe kaumiirarrz yauvanarn jarii / tatha dehiintarapriiptir dhlras tatra na m uhyati / / miitriisparsiis tu Kaunteya Slto$lJasukhadu/:zkhadii/:z / iigamiipiiyino 'nityiis tiirrzs titik$asva Bhiirata / / yarrz hi na vyathayanty ete puru$arrz puru$ar$abha / samadu/:zkhasukharrz dhlrarrz so 'mrtatviiya kalpate / / niisato vidyate bhiivo niibhiivo vidyate sata/:z / ubhayor api dr$to 'ntas tv anayos tattvadarsibhi/:Z / / aviniisi tu tad viddhi yena sarvam idarrz tatam / viniisam avyayasyiisya na kascit kartum arhati / / antavanta ime dehii nityasyoktii/:z sarlrilJa/:z / aniisino 'prameyasya tasmiid yudhyasva Bhiirata / / ya enarrz vetti hantiirarrz yas cainarrz manyate hatam / ubhau tau na vijiinlto niiyarrz hanti na hanyate / / na jiiyate mriyate vii kadiicin

niiyarrz bhutvii bhavitii vii na bhuya/:z / ajo nitya/:z siisvato 'yarrz puriilJo

na hanyate hanyamiine sarlre / / vediiviniisinarrz nityarrz ya enam ajam avyayam / katharrz sa puru$a/:z Piirth