Bhagwat Geeta Chapter 1 – Observing the Armies

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The Bhagwat Geeta Chapter 1 opens with Arjuna’s “battle” on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra. Yet this is not merely a story about war; it is the beginning of a spiritual discourse. One of the serious aspects U.S. readers may wish to know in-depth is how confusion, duty, and devotion converge in the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gītā and do so not merely as philosophy exists but as spiritual elevation exists within the ISKCON tradition. For those in the ISKCON tradition, Chapter 1 is read as a spiritual mirror- showing the internal battle to let go of worldly morality to receive divine guidance in our human experience.

Table of Contents

Overview of First 3 Verses of the Bhagwat Geeta

Verse 1.1

Dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca: dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ
māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāścaiva kimakurvata sañjaya

King Dhrtarastra speaks: O Sanjay, when my sons and the sons of Pandu assembled in the sacred field of Kurukshetra with the desire to fight, what did they do?

Verse 1.2

Sañjaya uvāca: dṛṣṭvā tu pāṇḍavānīkaṃ vyūḍhaṃ Duryodhanaḥ tadā
āchāryam upasaṅgamya rāja vachanam abravīt

Sanjay replies: King Duryodhana, seeing the Pandava army arrayed, approached his teacher and spoke the following words.

Verse 1.3

Paśyaitāṃ pāṇḍuputrāṇām āchārya mahatiṃ cha rūḍham
vyūḍham drupadaputrēṇa tava śiṣyēṇa dhīmatā

Behold, O teacher, this mighty army of the sons of Pandu, so well arranged by your wise disciple, the son of Drupada.

Download Bhagwat Gta As It Is in PDF

How to Read the Bhagwat Geeta

Utilize the book “Bhagavad Gītā As It Is” by A.C. Bhaktivedānta Swami Prabhupāda. His writing provides not only insights into philosophy but also understanding of the practice of devotion.
Begin each sloka by chanting it. Speak the Sanskrit verse out loud, then say the transliteration slowly, and translate the verse last. This will help you connect sound, meaning, and feeling together.
Pause and reflect for a moment after reading every verse, or small batch of verses. Close your eyes and ask yourself, “What is Krishna teaching me here?” Be patient, you may even wait a moment in silence. Often spiritual revelation does not come immediately, but instead, it develops over time.
When reflecting on the meaning, relates to your daily life. Arjuna’s confusion is your confusion. Think about how the verse you read can connect your meaning to your own situation (stress, doubt, duty, identity, etc.).
Write it out in a journal and ask the questions you do not understand. Use commentaries, watch lectures, or ask an ISKCON mentor to help explore answers.
Go deep over wide. You are not losing by only reading 1-2 slokas if they have content and meaning for you; you will gain more knowledge and insight than by rushing through 20.
Make a prayer prior to reading (ex. “Oh Krishna, illumine me”).

Best Timing and Frequency for Reading

Early morning (around 4-6 AM): is the best time. You are fresh and distractions are usually less.
Quiet evening: could be after work, but before the evening night life; good for quiet reflection time.
Daily rhythm: 15-30 minutes for each day is a more sustainable approach than reading once a week or month for a deep reading.
On sacred days: Gītā Jayanti, Ekādaśī, fasting days; reading is especially powerful.
When in mental crisis: Chapter 1 is about confusion. When you are mentally stressed the reading could provide insight.
During retreats / spiritual programs: typically read multiple verses, kirtan, and a more deliberate group reading.