Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1: Summary for Children
- myNachiketa
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is a respected book of Hinduism that is a conversation between Arjuna and Bhagwan Krishna. This book is filled with wisdom and teachings that guide us on how to live a good life and make the right choices.
Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita tells us what is happening before the great conversation between Bhagwan Krishna and Arjuna begins. The scene is set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where the Pandavas and the Kauravas are ready to fight. In this chapter, Krishna does not start teaching yet. Instead, it shows Arjuna feeling confused and sad. That is why this chapter is called Arjuna Vishada Yoga, which means “Arjuna’s sorrow and confusion.”
myNachiketa presents Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1: Summary.
The Scene at Kurukshetra
As the battle of Kurukshetra begins, Prince Arjuna finds himself on the battlefield, ready to fight against his own relatives, teachers, and friends. Each warrior on the opposite side was someone he loved and respected. Prince Arjuna was torn between his duty as a warrior (Kshatriya) and his love for his family.
This moment of uncertainty is something we all experience when we have to choose between two difficult paths.
Key Concepts in Chapter 1
The chapter begins with King Dhritarashtra, who is blind. He cannot see the battlefield himself, so he asks his advisor, Sanjaya, to tell him what is happening. Sanjaya has been given a special divine power that allows him to see everything taking place on the battlefield and describe it clearly to the king.
Sanjaya describes the formation of the armies, the mighty warriors on both sides, and the sound of conch shells and war instruments that signal the start of the battle preparations.
When the battle lines are drawn, Arjuna, a great warrior of the Pandavas, asks Krishna to place his chariot between the two armies. Arjuna is filled with doubt about fighting in the war. He wonders, “Is it right to harm my loved ones for the sake of victory?” Arjuna struggles with his duty as a warrior and his moral feelings of love and respect towards his family. At this moment of crisis, Arjuna turns to Shri Krishna for guidance.
Arjuna feels very weak and upset. His body starts shaking, his mind becomes confused, and he feels deep sadness in his heart. He says he does not want to fight in the battle. He wonders if it is right to fight and possibly kill his own family members just to win a kingdom or gain power. He feels that such a victory would not bring real happiness if it causes so much pain and destruction.
Because of this sorrow, Arjuna puts down his bow and arrows and sits down in his chariot. He refuses to fight. This moment shows his deep inner struggle. It is the beginning of his confusion and sadness, which later leads him to seek guidance from Bhagwan Krishna in the next chapter.
Important Shlokas from Chapter 1
As we explore Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita, let us look at five important shlokas that convey deep meanings:
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1. Shloka
अर्जुन उवाच
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये रथं स्थापय मेऽच्युत ॥
arjuna uvacha
senayor ubhayor madhye ratham sthapaya me achyuta
Arjuna said, “O Krishna, please place my chariot between the two armies.”
2. Shloka
तत्रापश्यत्स्थितान्पार्थः पितॄनथ पितामहान् ।
आचार्यान्मातुलान्भ्रातॄन्पुत्रान्पौत्रान्सखींस्तथा ॥
tatra apashyath sthitan parthah pitrin atha pitamahan
acharyan matulan bhratrin putran pautran sakhin tatha
There Arjuna saw fathers, grandfathers, teachers, brothers, sons, and friends standing in the armies.
3. Shloka
दृष्ट्वेमं स्वजनं कृष्ण युयुत्सुं समुपस्थितम् ।
सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि मुखं च परिशुष्यति ॥
drishtva imam sva janam krishna yuyutsum samupasthitam
sidanti mama gatrani mukham cha parishushyati
Seeing my own people ready to fight, my body trembles, and my mouth becomes dry.
4. Shloka
न च शक्नोम्यवस्थातुं भ्रमतीव च मे मनः ।
निमित्तानि च पश्यामि विपरीतानि केशव ॥
na cha shaknomi avasthatum bhramati iva cha me manah
nimittani cha pashyami viparitani keshava
I cannot stand steady. My mind is confused, and I see bad signs everywhere.
5. Shloka
एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेशेन भारत ।
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषृज्य सशरं चापम् ॥
evam uktva hrishikesham gudakeshena bharata
senayor ubhayor madhye vishrijya sa sharam chapam
After speaking these words, Arjuna put down his bow and arrows and sat down in the chariot.
Conclusion
Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita provides not just a glimpse of Arjuna's struggles but also profound lessons about doubt, duty, and seeking guidance. Whether it's in school, sports, or friendships, we all face choices that can be hard to make. Like Arjuna, we can learn to seek wisdom from those we trust and find clarity in our decisions. The teachings of Bhagwan Krishna remind us to stay strong and follow our true purpose.
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