Chapter 1, Verse 1
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच | धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः | मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय ॥1॥
dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca | dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ | māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāś-caiva kim akurvata sañjaya ||1||
"Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjaya, after my sons and the sons of Pandu assembled in the place of pilgrimage at Kurukshetra, desiring to fight, what did they do?"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.1 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.1 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
The Gita begins with a question from the blind King Dhritarashtra, revealing his deep-seated attachment and anxiety. By using the term 'Mamakah' (my own) specifically for his sons and 'Pandavah' for his nephews, he creates a psychological division. His concern with 'Dharmakshetra' (the field of righteousness) suggests a fear that the holy atmosphere of the venue might influence his sons to repent or lead to a compromise that doesn't favor his absolute control over the kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 1.1?
Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjaya, after my sons and the sons of Pandu assembled in the place of pilgrimage at Kurukshetra, desiring to fight, what did they do?