Chapter 1, Verse 30
गाण्डीवं स्रंसते हस्तात्वक्चै व परिदह्यते | न च शक्नोम्यवस्थातुं भ्रमतीव च मे मन: ॥30॥
gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt tvak caiva paridahyate | na ca śaknomy avasthātuṁ bhramatīva ca me manaḥ ||
"My bow, Gāṇḍīva, is slipping from my hand, and my skin is burning all over. I am unable to stand any longer, and my mind seems to be whirling."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.30 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.30 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna experiences a total psychosomatic collapse. Gāṇḍīva, the divine bow that symbolized his identity and prowess, slips from his grasp, indicating a loss of will and capability. The 'burning skin' and 'whirling mind' signify extreme anxiety and cognitive dissonance. Though the subsequent verse mentions omens and Kesava, this verse specifically highlights the physical and mental manifestation of his internal conflict between personal attachment and duty (Dharma).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 1.30?
My bow, Gāṇḍīva, is slipping from my hand, and my skin is burning all over. I am unable to stand any longer, and my mind seems to be whirling.