Chapter 1, Verse 10
अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् | पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् ॥10॥
aparyāptaṁ tadasmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam | paryāptaṁ tvidameteṣāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣitam ||10||
"Therefore, our army under the complete protection of Bhishma is unlimited. But the army of these (enemies), under the protection of Bhima, is limited."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.10 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.10 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Duryodhana assesses the relative strengths of the two armies. The term 'Aparyaptam' has a dual meaning: 'immeasurable/unlimited' (as Duryodhana intended in his pride) and 'insufficient' (as it proved to be, because Bhishma’s heart was with the Pandavas). He contrasts the invincible Grandfather Bhishma with the physically powerful but strategically less seasoned Bhima. This verse highlights Duryodhana's psychological state—a mix of overconfidence, underlying anxiety, and the tendency to measure strength purely by numbers and personalities rather than by righteousness (Dharma).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 1.10?
Therefore, our army under the complete protection of Bhishma is unlimited. But the army of these (enemies), under the protection of Bhima, is limited.