The first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is called Arjuna Vishada Yoga, which means The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection or The Despondency of Arjuna. This chapter sets the stage for the Gita’s teachings, describing Arjuna’s inner conflict and his refusal to fight in the great war of Kurukshetra.

• Introduction to the Battlefield

  • The chapter begins with King Dhritarashtra (father of the Kauravas) asking Sanjaya (his charioteer and divine narrator) about the events on the battlefield.
  • Sanjaya describes how the armies of the Pandavas and Kauravas are ready for battle.
  • Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava, approaches his teacher Dronacharya and proudly lists the warriors on both sides.

• Krishna as Arjuna's Charioteer

  • The mighty warriors Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and others blow their conch shells, signaling the start of the war.
  • The Pandavas, led by Arjuna, also sound their conch shells, with Krishna, acting as Arjuna’s charioteer.

• Arjuna’s Inner Conflict

  • As Arjuna stands on the battlefield, he asks Krishna to place the chariot in the middle of the two armies so he can see his opponents.
  • Seeing his relatives, teachers, and friends on the enemy side, Arjuna is overcome with grief and doubt.
  • He questions the morality of war, feeling that killing his own kinsmen would lead to destruction and sin.

• Arjuna's Emotional Breakdown

  • Arjuna is shaken and filled with sorrow.
  • He expresses his helplessness and refuses to fight, saying he would rather renounce everything than kill his loved ones.
  • He drops his bow and sits down in his chariot, unable to continue.