Class Summary for Jan 21, 2018 - Chapter-1: 24-31

Summarized by Partha:

We did a recap of the previous slokas in Chapter-1 (Sloka-1 to 23)

Then we proceeded to Slokas-24 to 31.

These few verses start describing the emotions that overtake Arjuna as Krishna gets the chariot between both the armies at the behest of Arjuna. In his wisdom, Krishna bring the chariot closer to  Bheeshma & Drona than other kings assembled in the vast Kuru army.  Arjuna sees the entire army in front of him. In the army he sees his fatherly figures, grand fatherly figures, teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, friends & fathers-in-law. 

The veneer of confidence of arrogance that made him 'command' Krishna to get the chariot closer to army was now removed. The anger that was directed against Duryodhana and Dhritarashtra made him eager to fight. Now, seeing so many of his closed and loved ones in the enemy line-up that could be collateral in his fury against Duryodhana, he gets overwhelmed with emotion.

Arjuna is also referred as 'Partha' - this could mean son of Pritha (Kunti) or someone is Mortal. In these few lines, his mortal side is accordingly getting depicted.
Arjuna seeing this laments that the assembled kinsmen are emotionally affecting him physically too. He limbs are weakening and mouth is drying up.

This set of verses show the beginning of emotional breakdown of Arjuna. The mind is getting disturbed and body loses its strength.  The trigger for this seems to the sight of his loved ones in the Kuru army. Maybe Krishna deliberately brought his chariot closer to Bheeshma and Drona to overwhelm or test Arjuna's mental capacity.
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Summarized by Inder:

Verse 24 - 26

Objective Meaning:

As requested by Arjuna, Krishna placed the chariot in between the two armies. Here Arjuna is referred to as Gudakesha meaning the one who has conquered sleep / laziness. Krishna Bhagwan is Hrishikesha, the one who has mastered the senses.

Krishna purposely placed the chariot infront of Bhishma & Drona and said to Arjuna to take a look at all the Kaurava's gathered on the battle field. Here Arjuna is also called as Partha meaning made of clay/earth(mortal).

Arjuna saw his Grandsires, teachers, kith and Kin in both armies which shook his confidence. 

Subjective meaning :

In life, when you take on any challenge, at some stage you will face confusion. The results will depend on how you deal with the confusion. Choose the path of good over pleasant.

Verse 27 - 31

Objective meaning:

These verses show lack of Arjuna's mental preparation before the war. As soon as he saw his kith and kin, he realized the full extent of sacrifice the society would have to make. This state of Arjuna's mind may have been the result of Dhritarashtra's clever message to him, before the start of the war, to consider the cost of winning the war by killing his near and dear ones.

Arjuna then tells Krishna about the physical changes he is noticing in himself like limbs failing, mouth parched, body quivers, the bow is slipping from his hand and his skin is burning. In this state of mental confusion, Arjuna's emotions have overcome his intellect and he has competely forgotten his duties and the evil deeds of the Kurus.

Subective meaning :

There will be times when self control will succumb to emotional tendencies.