Bhagavad Gita · Verse 1.9
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (अर्जुनविषादयोगः)
(Duryodhana spoke)
अन्ये च बहवः शूरा मदर्थे त्यक्तजीविताः । नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः ॥९॥
anye ca bahavaḥ śūrā madarthe tyaktajīvitāḥ | nānāśastrapraharaṇāḥ sarve yuddhaviśāradāḥ ||9||
Complete Shloka Translation
Many other heroes, ready to give up their lives for me, bear various weapons and are all skilled in warfare.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अन्ये | anye | other |
| च | ca | and |
| बहवः | bahavaḥ | numerous / many |
| शूराः | śūrāḥ | heroic champions |
| मदर्थे | mad-arthe | for my sake / dedicated to my cause |
| त्यक्त-जीविताः | tyakta-jīvitāḥ | prepared to sacrifice their very lives |
| नाना-शस्त्र-प्रहरणाः | nānā-śastra-praharaṇāḥ | equipped with various types of weaponry |
| सर्वे | sarve | all of them |
| युद्ध-विशारदाः | yuddha-viśāradāḥ | veterans skilled in warfare |
other
and
numerous / many
heroic champions
for my sake / dedicated to my cause
prepared to sacrifice their very lives
equipped with various types of weaponry
all of them
veterans skilled in warfare
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The phrase about giving up life describes readiness for sacrifice, not a report that these warriors have already died. The personal emphasis on fighting for Duryodhana also raises a distinction between loyalty to a person and the justice of a cause.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Duryodhana presents loyalty and military skill as strengths of his cause."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Does my loyalty include examining the purpose I serve?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Inspiring Devotion Without Exploitation: Duryodhana notes that warriors are ready to sacrifice their lives for him. Leadership carries profound moral responsibility: if people dedicate their energy and careers to your vision, never abuse their loyalty for selfish or unethical ends.