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Chapter 1 · Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra · 46 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Questions & crisisChapter 1 · Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra

1.23 1.25

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 1.24

Arjuna asks to survey the armies

Karma · Action

सञ्जय उवाच

एवमुक्तो हृषीकेशो गुडाकेशेन भारत ।

सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये स्थापयित्वा रथोत्तमम् ॥ २४ ॥

sañjaya uvāca

evam ukto hṛṣīkeśo

guḍākeśena bhārata

senayor ubhayor madhye

sthāpayitvā rathottamam

Translation

Sañjaya said: O descendant of Bharata, having thus been addressed by Arjuna, Lord Kṛṣṇa drew up the fine chariot in the midst of the armies of both parties.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Remembering Kṛṣṇa Constantly

1
As Hṛṣīkeśa, Kṛṣṇa directs everyone’s senses and mind, understood Arjuna’s purpose, and placed the fine chariot between both armies at Arjuna’s request.
2
Arjuna is called Guḍākeśa because he conquered sleep and ignorance through friendship with Kṛṣṇa, whom he never forgot, whether awake or asleep.
3
Constantly thinking of Kṛṣṇa helps a devotee conquer sleep and ignorance; this is Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or samādhi.

Key points from the purport

Krishna draws the chariot — Krishna (Hrsikesa) draws the chariot on request of Arjuna (Gudakesh) in the midst of the armies of both parties

Arjuna as Gudakesh — one who conquers sleep

Gudaka means sleep; sleep also means ignorance

Arjuna conquered sleep & ignorance because of friendship with Krishna

Nature of the devotee

Cannot forget Krishna even for a moment (Samadhi); even while walking or asleep condition

Devotee conquers sleep and ignorance; because of constant Krishna consciousness. (This is called Samadhi)

Krishna as Hrsikesa — As director of mind and senses, He could understand Arjuna’s purpose in placing the chariot in the midst of the armies – “hestitation to fight”