The third shloka of Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita is spoken by Duryodhana, who addresses his teacher, Dronacharya, as he surveys the battlefield and the formation of the Pandava army. Here is the shloka in Sanskrit, its transliteration, and a detailed explanation of its meanings and interpretations:
Sanskrit
पश्यैतां पाण्डुपुत्राणामाचार्य महतीं चमूम् | व्यूढां द्रुपदपुत्रेण तव शिष्येण धीमता ||1.3||
Transliteration
paśyaitāṁ pāṇḍu-putrāṇām ācārya mahatīṁ camūm | vyūḍhāṁ drupada-putreṇa tava śiṣyeṇa dhīmatā ||1.3||
Translation
Behold, O teacher, this mighty army of the sons of Pandu, arranged in military formation by your disciple, the son of Drupada, who is intelligent.
Detailed Explanation
- Context and Background:
- Duryodhana, upon seeing the well-arranged army of the Pandavas, addresses his teacher Dronacharya. This shloka highlights Duryodhana’s awareness and acknowledgment of the strength and strategic arrangement of the Pandava forces.
- Sanskrit Breakdown:
- पश्य (paśya): “Behold” or “see.” This is an imperative verb, commanding attention.
- एताम् (etām): “This.” Refers to the specific army being pointed out.
- पाण्डुपुत्राणाम् (pāṇḍu-putrāṇām): “Of the sons of Pandu.” Refers to the Pandavas.
- आचार्य (ācārya): “O teacher.” This term of respect addresses Dronacharya directly.
- महतीं (mahatīm): “Mighty” or “great.” Describes the formidable nature of the army.
- चमूम् (camūm): “Army.” Refers to the military formation.
- व्यूढाम् (vyūḍhām): “Arranged” or “arrayed.” Indicates strategic positioning.
- द्रुपदपुत्रेण (drupada-putreṇa): “By the son of Drupada.” Refers to Dhrishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava army and the son of King Drupada.
- तव शिष्येण (tava śiṣyeṇa): “Your disciple.” Highlights the connection between Dronacharya and Dhrishtadyumna.
- धीमता (dhīmatā): “Intelligent” or “wise.” Praises Dhrishtadyumna’s strategic capabilities.
- Symbolic Interpretations:
- Acknowledgment of Strength: Duryodhana’s acknowledgment of the Pandava army’s strength and strategic arrangement can be seen as an indirect admission of the formidable challenge posed by his opponents.
- Irony of Relationships: There is an inherent irony in the fact that Dhrishtadyumna, trained by Dronacharya, is now leading the army against his own teacher’s side. This reflects the complex relationships and conflicts of loyalty in the Mahabharata.
- Respect for Competence: Despite being adversaries, Duryodhana recognizes and respects the competence and intelligence of Dhrishtadyumna, illustrating the warrior code of acknowledging worthy opponents.
- Philosophical Insights:
- Complexity of Dharma: The shloka highlights the complexity of dharma (duty and righteousness) where individuals trained by the same teacher end up on opposing sides, each fulfilling their perceived duty.
- Conflict and Camaraderie: This verse also underlines the duality of conflict and camaraderie in human relationships, especially in the context of war and duty.
- Practical Application:
- Strategic Awareness: In any competitive field, it is crucial to acknowledge and understand the strengths and strategies of opponents. This can help in better preparation and response.
- Respect for Opponents: Recognizing and respecting the abilities of opponents can lead to more honorable and ethical engagements, whether in business, sports, or personal conflicts.
- Training and Outcomes: The shloka serves as a reminder that the outcomes of training and mentorship can be unpredictable, and those we teach can end up in diverse roles, sometimes even in opposition.
Conclusion
The third shloka of Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights Duryodhana’s strategic awareness and his acknowledgment of the well-organized Pandava army led by Dhrishtadyumna. It underscores themes of respect, strategic planning, and the ironies inherent in human relationships and duties. This verse sets the tone for the unfolding events on the battlefield, emphasizing the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by the characters in the epic.