Class Summary for Oct 29, 2017 - Chapter-1: 4 - 14

Summarized by Indrajeet Harer:

Verses 4,5,6:

Objective meaning:

In these verses, Duryodhana identifies the warriors from the Pandava army, that are equivalent to Arjun & Bheema. It shows the nervousness of Duryodhana.

Subjective meaning :

Arjuna is considered as self control  and Bheema is representing the power of vitality.

Materialistic desires collude with Vasana to push us away from positive tendencies.

Tip : Analyze how the positive tendencies make you feel remorse during introspection.

These verses name 17 Maharathis from Pandava army. Each Maharathi led an army of 11000 warriors and was himself considered equivalent of 11000 warriors.

Verses 7,8,9,10,11:

Objective meaning:

In these verses, Duryodhana lists the warriors from his own army seeks comforting words from his Guru who chose to remain silent. He boasts by saying that the great heroes are ready to lay down their lives for his sake. He also orders his troops to remain in their positions and protect Bhishma.

Subjective meaning :

Kripacharya is considered as ignorance/avidya

Bhishma is considered as the pseudo self or false ego.

Ashwathama is considered as the latent desire derived from vasanas (Drona).

Karna is considered as Raaga (Anger) which has attachment to Materialistic desires.

Negative tendencies led by the pseudo self can easily be defeated by the positive tendencies led by the soul guided vital force.

Tip : Practice meditation to overcome false ego and overcome negative tendencies.

Ego is inversely proportional to knowledge. More the knowledge, lesser the ego.

Verses 12, 13, 14:

Objective meaning:

Bhishma blew the conch shell indicating the start of the war. Bhisma did this to raise the morale of the army who respond by sounding the battle cry , conches and drums.

Sanjaya reminds Dhritarashtra that Madhava (one who is wedded to prosperity) is on Pandavas side. Both Krishna and Arjuna respond by blowing their conches. Arjuna was gifted the great chariot by Agni.

Subjective meaning :

During meditation negative tendencies will make you breathe rapidly. You can also feel a deep positive breath coming from deep inside your heart, which is positive energy.

Tip : Introspection should lead you to a thoughtless state.

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Summarized by Bala Dhandapani:

Chapter-1 Slokas 4-14

In these slokas, Duryodhana's state of mind can be interpreted by the way he addressed the Pandava warriors and the army and next his own army, in a way that he is doubting himself and his actions towards the war.  Also, in a way convincing himself on the greatness of his army and his selfishness that the great warriors supporting him although they realize that they are in the wrong side. 

Slokas 4, 5 and 6

Theme

·         In Slokas 4, 5 and 6 Duryodhana presents a list of noted worrier in the Pandava army and addresses their greatness in war.

·         Duryodhana praising their greatness in turn reveals his nervousness and recognizes that although the number of warriors in the Pandava army are less than the Kaurava army their collective effectiveness is stronger than the Kauravas.

Subjective Analysis

·         Arjuna is considered Self Control

·         Bhima is Power of Vitality

·         Shows how are Negative tendencies/demons collude towards our Positive tendencies

TIP

Analyze how the Positive tendencies make you feel remorse during Inspection.

Slokas 7-11

Theme

·         In Slokas 7-11 calls out notable warriors in his army, praising their greatness.

·         There are indications on Duryodhana’s confused and freightened state of mind based on the manner he addresses the warriors in his army.

Subjective Analysis

·         Kripacharya signifies Avidya/Ignorance/Illusion

·         Bhisma signify Pseudoself or false ego

·         Asvatama the  Latent desires derived from vasanas

·         Karna the attachment to materialistic pleasure

Negative force or tendencies led by the pseudo self can easily be defeated by the positive tendencies

TIP:  Practice Meditation to overcome False Ego/Pseudo Self and negative tendencies.

Do your duty and Victory will be yours

(Interesting and relevant saying of Albert Einstein – More the knowledge, lesser the ego.  Lesser the Knowledge, more the ego)

Slokas 12, 13 and 14

·         Bhisma ends Duryodhana’s ranting and confusion by blowing the horn to start the war, signaling the army to join the war.

·         Bhisma’s action also indicate that he is ready to fight and dispel any doubt in Duryodhana.

·         Krishna and Arjuna also blow the horn/conch

·         Sanjaya emphasizes the differences/contrast between the Pandava and Kaurava armies subtly to Dhrtarastra so that he may persuade his sons to withdraw from the war.

TIP

During meditation you will suddenly feel rapid breathing.  These are the negative tendencies.  One can also feel a deep positive breath coming from deep inside your heart which is the positive energy.