[ BHAGAVAD GITA · 1.27 · spoken by Arjun ]
Every face on the battlefield was someone he loved. What do you do when the enemy is family?
Fathers-in-law. Well-wishers. On both sides. All of them — kinsmen. Arjun saw every face and compassion broke through him like a flood. He sank into grief. And spoke.
SANSKRIT
श्वशुरान्सुहृदश्चैव सेनयोरुभयोरपि । तान्समीक्ष्य स कौन्तेयः सर्वान्बन्धूनवस्थितान् ॥१-२७॥
KRISHNA’S LINE
“Compassion and duty walked onto the same battlefield. Only one of them could stay standing.”
TOPICS
RELATED VERSES
- 1.20 · ArjunThe greatest archer alive raised his bow. Then he saw who he was aiming at.
- 1.23 · ArjunArjun called Duryodhan 'evil-minded.' Then he saw who was fighting for him.
- 1.22 · ArjunArjun asked to see the enemy. He didn't know he was looking at his own family.
- 1.34 · ArjunHe'd rather die than fight. What makes the greatest warrior alive choose death?
- 1.35 · ArjunGive him heaven, earth, and everything below. He still wouldn't fight. Why?
- 1.18 · AbhimanyuThe last warrior to blow his shankha today was only 16. Do you know what happens to him?