Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 1.28

Shloka 1.28

“Arjuna said: O Krishna, seeing my kinsmen assembled, my limbs fail, and my mouth dries.”

Key Teaching: Arjuna’s physical and emotional collapse signals his moral crisis.

Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Conflict.

500-Word Description:
Arjuna, addressing Krishna, describes his physical collapse—limbs failing, mouth drying—upon seeing his kinsmen assembled for battle (1.26–27). This verse marks the peak of his emotional and moral crisis, as compassion for his kin overwhelms his warrior resolve. The themes of vishada, as despair takes hold, dharma, as he questions his duty, and conflict, as personal ties complicate the war, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s physical symptoms reflect his deep emotional turmoil, contrasting with his earlier resolve (1.20–23) and Duryodhana’s strategic focus (1.3–11). His reaction to seeing kin like Bhishma and Drona highlights the war’s personal stakes, setting up his ethical objections (1.29–46). Krishna’s presence as charioteer foreshadows divine guidance.

Philosophically, this verse reflects the human experience of emotional paralysis in the face of moral dilemmas, a theme Krishna addresses with teachings on equanimity (2.14). Arjuna’s collapse complicates his Kshatriya dharma, as compassion conflicts with duty, intensifying his crisis. The theme of vishada dominates, marking his descent into despair.

Sanjaya’s narration captures this moment objectively, framing Arjuna’s turmoil within the war’s context. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s ethical challenges, where emotional reactions can hinder action. Arjuna’s collapse sets the stage for Krishna’s teachings on navigating duty with detachment and wisdom.