Story Summary
Explore Arjuna's Dilemma on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Facing kin and teachers, the warrior finds strength through Lord Krishna's divine wisdom and guidance.
On the vast plains of Kurukshetra, two great armies stood poised for a war that would decide the fate of Bharatavarsha. Arjuna, the peerless archer of the Pandavas, asked his charioteer, Lord Krishna, to drive him to the center of the battlefield. As he looked across the front lines, his heart sank. He did not see enemies; he saw his grandfather Bhishma, his teacher Drona, his cousins, and his friends. Overwhelmed by grief and moral confusion, Arjuna’s limbs trembled, and his legendary bow, Gandiva, slipped from his hands. He declared he would rather live as a beggar than shed the blood of his kin. It was in this moment of profound despair that Krishna began his divine discourse, the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna reminded Arjuna that as a warrior, his 'Dharma' or righteous duty was to fight against injustice, regardless of personal attachments. He taught that the soul is eternal and cannot be killed, and that performing one's duty without attachment to the results is the highest path to spiritual liberation. Reassured by this wisdom, Arjuna picked up his bow, his resolve restored to fight for righteousness.
The Moral
One must perform their righteous duty (Dharma) with detachment to the outcome, prioritizing the greater good over personal emotions.
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action.”
Fun Fact
Arjuna's Dilemma is the subject of the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which is a 700-verse portion of the much larger epic, the Mahabharata.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Arjuna's Dilemma?
The moral is that fulfilling one's sacred duty (Dharma) is paramount. One must act according to righteousness even when it is emotionally painful or difficult.
Who spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna?
The Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Krishna, who served as Arjuna's charioteer and spiritual guide during the Kurukshetra War.
Why was Arjuna hesitant to fight in the war?
Arjuna was hesitant because he saw his own relatives, teachers, and elders on the opposing side, causing him to feel immense grief and moral conflict over killing them.
What is the meaning of Dharma in this story?
In this context, Dharma refers to Arjuna's duty as a Kshatriya (warrior) to fight against evil and uphold justice, even if it means opposing his loved ones.
What does the chariot symbolize in the story?
The chariot symbolizes the human body, the horses represent the senses, and Krishna as the charioteer represents the intellect or the divine soul guiding the individual.
How did Krishna convince Arjuna to fight?
Krishna explained the immortality of the soul, the necessity of selfless action, and the importance of following one's social and spiritual obligations over temporary emotions.