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Verse Translation of the Bhagavad Gita with Commentary: An In-Depth Exploration of the Sacred Hindu Scripture

Michael Chabon

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Published in Godsong: A Verse Translation Of The Bhagavad Gita With Commentary

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The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most sacred and revered texts in the Hindu tradition. It is a philosophical and spiritual treasure that has profoundly influenced Indian thought and culture for centuries. The Gita's teachings have been a source of guidance and inspiration for countless seekers of truth and wisdom.

Godsong: A Verse Translation of the Bhagavad-Gita, with Commentary

by Amit Majmudar

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	827 KB
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Print length	:	248 pages

This article provides a verse-by-verse translation of the Bhagavad Gita with commentary, offering an in-depth exploration of the scripture's profound teachings. By delving into each verse and its accompanying explanation, readers gain a deeper understanding of the Gita's wisdom and its relevance to their own lives.

Verse 1.1

Dharmakshetre kurukshetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāś caiva kim akurvata sanjaya

Translation: "On the field of righteousness, Kurukshetra, assembled together, eager for battle, what did my own people, the Pandavas, and the sons of Dhritarashtra do, O Sanjaya?"

Commentary: This opening verse sets the scene for the Bhagavad Gita. The Pandavas and Kauravas, two families of cousins, have gathered on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, ready to engage in a great battle. The narrator, Sanjaya, is a disciple of the sage Vyasa, who has been granted divine vision to witness the events of the battle from afar.

Verse 1.2

Dṛṣhṭvā tu pāṇḍavānyutsukitān kauravān sametān saptakathir iva sa gayāśiratām bharata sainyanidam vacanam uvāca

Translation: "Beholding the Pandavas standing in battle array, eager for fight, Arjuna, whose chariot was drawn by white horses, addressed these words to Hrishikesha, Krishna."

Commentary: Arjuna, the main protagonist of the Bhagavad Gita, is hesitant to fight against his own cousins. He expresses his doubts and concerns to Krishna, his charioteer and divine guide.

Verse 1.3

Arjunauvāca senayor ubhayor madhye ratham sthāpaya kṛishna yotsyamānān avekṣhe ‘ham yadi taṃ sthātum icchāmi

Translation: "Arjuna said: O Krishna, please place my chariot between the two armies so that I may see those who stand here desirous of fighting, and with whom I must contend in battle."

Commentary: Arjuna wants to assess the strength of his opponents before the battle begins. He asks Krishna to position his chariot in a strategic location so that he can observe the enemy forces.

Verse 1.4

Tatra śreyo ‘nito ‘nupasyāmy aham yogaṃ samupasthitam dhanur adhāya divyāstraṃ tasyaikṣhāmi janārdana

Translation: "There I shall observe those who have gathered here, desirous of war, and having seen them, I shall know with whom I must fight in this battle, O Janardana."

Commentary: Arjuna's request suggests that he is not eager for war and would rather avoid conflict if possible. He wants to see if there is any way to negotiate a peaceful resolution.

Verse 1.5

Suryasutaḥ uvāca paśyaitair hi samāgāḥ pratapana balārditāḥ nam astu te pandaveyāḥ tāṃs tvatam niriksha

Translation: "Son of the Sun said: Behold, O Partha, these Kurus, assembled together. Honor them and observe the power of their vast army."

Commentary: Krishna, the "Son of the Sun," responds to Arjuna's request. He urges Arjuna to look at the enemy forces and assess their strength. Krishna knows that Arjuna is hesitant to fight, but he wants to inspire him with courage and confidence.

Verse 1.6

tato drushṭvā duryodhanam suyodhanam ca mahāratham sarvasainyā ṛtam tasya sarvāyuddhāvataṃś ca

Translation: "Thereupon, O Partha, on beholding Duryodhana and his mighty army drawn up in battle array, Dhananjaya's eyes were filled with tears and, greatly grieved, he thus addressed Madhusudana, Krishna."

Commentary: Arjuna is overcome with grief when he sees Duryodhana, his cousin and the leader of the Kaurava forces. He realizes the gravity of the situation and the inevitable bloodshed that will occur.

Verse 1.7

Arjunauvāca kāpandakapalayitaiḥ tāṃś caiko ‘ham samadhigachhem na yotsye kopanamasthe ‘ham vimūḍhā ve

Translation: "Arjuna said: These sons of Dhritarashtra, who are desirous of killing me, are wicked and sinful. How, then, O Madhava, shall I fight with them?"

Commentary: Arjuna questions the righteousness of the war. He sees the Kauravas as wicked and sinful, and he is reluctant to fight against them. Arjuna's dilemma reflects the moral and ethical questions that are often inherent in warfare.

Godsong: A Verse Translation of the Bhagavad-Gita, with Commentary

by Amit Majmudar

4.3 out of 5