Chapter 1 Verse 19
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
स घोषो धार्तराष्ट्राणां हृदयानि व्यदारयत्। नभश्च पृथिवीं चैव तुमुलो व्यनुनादयन्।।1.19।।
sa ghoṣho dhārtarāṣhṭrāṇāṁ hṛidayāni vyadārayat nabhaśhcha pṛithivīṁ chaiva tumulo nunādayan
Word Meanings
| saḥ | that |
| ghoṣhaḥ | sound |
| dhārtarāṣhṭrāṇām | of Dhritarashtra’s sons |
| hṛidayāni | hearts |
| vyadārayat | shattered |
| nabhaḥ | the sky |
| cha | and |
| pṛithivīm | the earth |
| cha | and |
| eva | certainly |
| tumulaḥ | terrific sound |
| abhyanunādayan | thundering |
Translation
The tumultuous sound rent the hearts of Dhritarashtra's party, reverberating through both heaven and earth.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse shows how the first clash on the battlefield caused a loud, terrifying noise that pierced the hearts of Dhritarashtra’s party. The sound was so intense it seemed to shake both sky and earth, showing the scale of shock and fear.
Philosophically, this image points to how outer events can break our inner peace. Sudden turmoil—conflict, loss, or crisis—can rattle us deeply and reveal the weakness or strength of our heart.
It also reminds us that human actions have wide effects. A single moment of violence or fear spreads far beyond those directly involved. The deeper teaching is to steady the mind, act from clarity, and not let collective uproar decide your inner state or choices.
Life Application
- Pause and breathe when news or drama overwhelms you; naming your fear reduces its power.
- Cultivate simple daily practices (short meditation, prayer, or mindful breaths) so you can stay steady when situations get noisy.
- Before reacting in crisis, ask: “What is my duty right now?” Act from clarity, not from panic or crowd pressure.
Reflection Question
When the world around you becomes chaotic, how steady is your heart?