Bhagavad Gita · Verse 1.23
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (अर्जुनविषादयोगः)
(Arjuna spoke)
योत्स्यमानानवेक्षेऽहं य एतेऽत्र समागताः । धार्तराष्ट्रस्य दुर्बुद्धेर्युद्धे प्रियचिकीर्षवः ॥२३॥
yotsyamānānavekṣe'haṃ ya ete'tra samāgatāḥ | dhārtarāṣṭrasya durbuddheryuddhe priyacikīrṣavaḥ ||23||
Complete Shloka Translation
I wish to look at those gathered here to fight, who seek to please the ill-minded son of Dhritarashtra in this war.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| योत्स्यमानान् | yotsyamānān | those who have assembled to fight |
| अवेक्षे | avekṣe | I wish to look upon |
| अहम् | aham | I |
| ये | ye | who |
| एते | ete | these combatants |
| अत्र | atra | here on this ground |
| समागताः | samāgatāḥ | gathered together |
| धार्तराष्ट्रस्य | dhārtarāṣṭrasya | of Duryodhana, son of Dhritarashtra |
| दुर्बुद्धेः | durbuddheḥ | of malicious / evil mind |
| युद्धे | yuddhe | in this war |
| प्रियचिकीर्षवः | priya-cikīrṣavaḥ | desiring to please and serve |
those who have assembled to fight
I wish to look upon
I
who
these combatants
here on this ground
gathered together
of Duryodhana, son of Dhritarashtra
of malicious / evil mind
in this war
desiring to please and serve
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The description of Duryodhana's judgment belongs to Arjuna's speech. His later recognition of kinship complicates this initial view of the enemy as merely supporters of a wrongful leader.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Arjuna initially understands the opposing fighters through their allegiance to Duryodhana."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Do I judge a person only through the side they support?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Identifying Enablers of Injustice: Arjuna wants to see who pleases evil-minded Duryodhana. In ethics, recognize that passive enablers of toxicity in workplaces or communities are as responsible as the primary instigator.