Chapter 1 Verse 10
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम्। पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम्।।1.10।।
aparyāptaṁ tadasmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣhmābhirakṣhitam paryāptaṁ tvidameteṣhāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣhitam
Word Meanings
| aparyāptam | unlimited |
| tat | that |
| asmākam | ours |
| balam | strength |
| bhīṣhma | by Grandsire Bheeshma |
| abhirakṣhitam | safely marshalled |
| paryāptam | limited |
| tu | but |
| idam | this |
| eteṣhām | their |
| balam | strength |
| bhīma | Bheem |
| abhirakṣhitam | carefully marshalled |
Translation
Our army, marshalled by Bhishma, is insufficient, whereas theirs, marshalled by Bhima, is sufficient.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Arjuna looks at the two armies and judges his side weak because Bhishma leads them, while the enemy seems strong under Bhima. On the surface this is a military comparison of numbers and leaders.
On a deeper level, the verse shows how our view of strength and weakness is shaped by fear and attachment. We often lose confidence when we focus only on outer signs instead of inner purpose.
True strength in the Gita is not just numbers or fame but calmness of mind, clarity of duty, and right action. Seeing things clearly helps us act from courage rather than from panic.
Life Application
- When you feel overwhelmed by others' success, pause and check facts instead of assuming defeat; clear thinking beats instant judgment.
- Focus on your duty and the next right step rather than comparing totals; small steady actions build real strength.
- Strengthen inner calm with simple habits (deep breaths, planning, small preparations) so outer situations don’t decide your peace.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I letting appearances or comparisons make me feel weak instead of guiding my next right action?