Chapter 1 Verse 8
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
भवान्भीष्मश्च कर्णश्च कृपश्च समितिञ्जयः। अश्वत्थामा विकर्णश्च सौमदत्तिस्तथैव च।।1.8।।
bhavānbhīṣhmaśhcha karṇaśhcha kṛipaśhcha samitiñjayaḥ aśhvatthāmā vikarṇaśhcha saumadattis tathaiva cha
Word Meanings
| bhavān | yourself |
| bhīṣhmaḥ | Bheeshma |
| cha | and |
| karṇaḥ | Karna |
| cha | and |
| kṛipaḥ | Kripa |
| cha | and |
| samitim-jayaḥ | victorious in battle |
| aśhvatthāmā | Ashvatthama |
| vikarṇaḥ | Vikarna |
| cha | and |
| saumadattiḥ | Bhurishrava |
| tathā | thus |
| eva | even |
| cha | also |
Translation
"Thou thyself, Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, the victorious in war, Asvatthama, Vikarna, and Bhurisrava, the son of Somadatta—all these are ready for battle."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Arjuna names the great warriors assembled for battle. On the surface this lists powerful opponents, but philosophically it shows how our challenges often wear familiar faces — respected people, strong habits, or accepted duties.
The verse teaches that difficulty does not always look wrong; it can come from those we admire or love. True spiritual growth is not about avoiding hard choices but seeing clearly who and what stands in the way of right action and inner peace.
Recognizing the players is the first step. Once you see the forces around you, you can decide your response from duty and clarity rather than from fear, pride, or attachment.
Life Application
- Make a simple list of the people, habits, or beliefs that feel like obstacles; naming them makes decisions clearer.
- Remember that authority or strength doesn’t equal moral right; weigh actions by duty and compassion, not by reputation.
- When faced with a difficult choice involving familiar people, pause, breathe, and act from steady purpose rather than emotion.
Reflection Question
Who or what familiar to you now feels like an obstacle to doing what you know is right?