Chapter 1: Arjuna-viṣāda-yoga: – Transforming Grief into YogaVerse 26-27

It was Krishna’s plan more than Arjuna’s intention that had the magic effect. Arjuna found many of his relatives and friends assembled on both sides. Even teachers and grandfathers were there.

Seeing all of them right in front, he was taken aback. He had not fought such a war ever. War is between enemies. Any sight of enemies in front would only inspire and challenge the fighter. In fact, Duryodhana’s army was more than one and a half times his. That did not matter the least to him.

But, here the sight was quite appalling. It was virtually a battle against his own relatives, friends, respectable teachers and elders. His heart resented, revolted. He was fully overtaken by sympathy. True, he was a fighter, but to fight a righteous war, not disregarding the sound principles of human conduct.

His eyes began to shed, mind was overwhelmed by grief. His intelligence was torn by moral conflict. Even though war cries had already been raised, and Krishna himself had responded to Bheeshma blowing the conch, Arjuna felt thoroughly shaken. He shuddered at the prospect and nature of the battle. He could hardly control his grief. He did not want to either.

In such a situation, is not grief the right emotion to display? If the wrong was not in him, then where, how and for what? Unable to restrain himself, he bursts forth. Before whom? None but Krishna was close by.

Until the conches were blown, it was a full readiness to commence the war. True, but now the situation is different. When such turbulent grief has burst forth, where is the question of wielding his bow?

Gandiva slipped from his hand. In spite of all his external resources and powers, Arjuna crumbled. He discovered for the first time in life that he did not have enough internal strength to face the crisis.