CHAPTER 1 : A NEW PERSPECTIVE

This chapter is the transitioning from the Mahabharat tale into the Arjun & Krishna dialogue about Knowledge/Wisdom/Advice

Dhritrashtra speaks his one and only shlok and in that too his attachment for his sons drips in his words, as he asks "what are my sons and the Pandu sons doing at battle field?"  Feel the yours & mine, duality here.

Kuru in shlok 1 means action. Kurushetra is the place / world of actions.

Note that the first word of first shlok is "dharam"  and the last word of last shook is "mam" that is mine . Its all about My Dharma.

Arjun speaks 20+ shloks in this chapter, of the total 85 that he speaks in the entire Gita.

There is lot of fact based statements here and mentioning the various people. Each person has a story and a reason to be here and how he has also contributed to the war. Almost like a quick recap of the Mahabharat story and why this war was happening due to the choices & actions of the characters in past.

Further if one introspects we have traits of all such characters in us. On days we behave like Dhritrashtra, in total attachment to our kids / or blind to our duty. Or like Drupad wanting revenge. Or selfish like Duryodhan or deluded like Arjun or evolved and preach like Krishna.....

All characters are within an average being at different points of time in life, till we progress on the spiritual journey.

The symbolism in Arjun's chariot as well as in the names of conches is very interesting too.

Duryodhan rants of in his self centred style. Arjun starts in an egoist manner to check out the enemy and later is deluded. Then is talking about the deaths and widows & orphans the war will cause.

Duryodhan wants to protect Bhishma as he is the trump to his victory & Arjun slides into an emotional crisis with the thought of fighting / killing Bhishma.

Duryodhan is instigating Drona against Drupad & Dhrishtadyun. Whilst Arjun can't bear the thought that he has to fight his own teacher.

Duryodhan is proud about the quantity of his army. Arjun was not able to accept that his family & teachers could be on the enemy side and he has to fight them.

Bhishma means very dangerous. He represent the various beliefs that we have gathered over the years  and we alone have the choice and ability to give them up. Hence, death by choice. He knew God but did not change his stance.

The key being that emotions & attachments wrecks duty.

Also Arjun being a capable & wise person, is confused and deluded. This can happen & does happen to all.

Chap 1 is important to build context. To make us aware that we have ability for doing wrong and leading to disasters. To enable us accept that we need to follow the principle and not a person.