Bhagavad Gita 1.10 — Duryodhana Assesses the Strength of the Two Armies
अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् ।
पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् ॥ १.१० ॥
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That army of ours, protected by Bhishma, is unlimited (or insufficient), whereas this army of theirs, protected by Bhima, is limited (or sufficient).
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| aparyāptam | unlimited, immeasurable; also read as insufficient |
| tat | that |
| asmākam | our |
| balam | army, strength |
| bhīṣhmābhirakṣhitam | protected by Bhishma |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| paryāptam | limited, measurable; also read as sufficient |
| tu | but, whereas |
| idam | this |
| eteṣhām | of theirs, of the Pandavas |
| balam | army, strength |
| bhīmābhirakṣhitam | protected by Bhima |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| aparyāptam | unlimited, immeasurable; also read as insufficient | paryāptam | limited, measurable; also read as sufficient |
| tat | that | tu | but, whereas |
| asmākam | our | idam | this |
| balam | army, strength | eteṣhām | of theirs, of the Pandavas |
| bhīṣhmābhirakṣhitam | protected by Bhishma | balam | army, strength |
| bhīmābhirakṣhitam | protected by Bhima | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Duryodhana gives his judgement of the two armies. He says that the Kaurava army, protected by Bhīṣma, is aparyāptam, while the Pāṇḍava army, protected by Bhīma, is paryāptam. These two words are rich with meaning, and traditional commentators have understood them in more than one way.
Essence
This is among the most discussed verses of the opening chapter because of the double meaning of its key words.
A. Aparyāptaṁ tad asmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam
The Kaurava army is bhīṣmābhirakṣitam, protected by Bhīṣma. The word aparyāptam can mean 'insufficient, limited' or 'unlimited, immeasurable'. Some commentators read Duryodhana as saying proudly, 'Our army, guarded by Bhīṣma, is immeasurable.' Others read it as an unguarded admission of worry: 'Our army, though led by Bhīṣma, is not quite enough.' The word is genuinely ambiguous, and this ambiguity reflects the divided state of his mind.
B. Paryāptaṁ tv idam eteṣāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣitam
The Pāṇḍava army is bhīmābhirakṣitam, protected by Bhīma. Paryāptam can mean 'sufficient, limited' or 'adequate, enough'. On the first reading it means the enemy force is limited and can be counted; on the second, it means their army is sufficient for the task. Again, one reading expresses confidence, and the other reveals fear.
C. A subtle contrast between the two protectors
Duryodhana chooses Bhīṣma to represent his side and Bhīma to represent the other, a contrast between a venerable, restrained elder and a powerful, impetuous warrior. Bhīṣma had promised not to kill the Pāṇḍavas, and Duryodhana may have sensed this reluctance in his commander. The very person he trusts as protector is also the one whose heart is divided.
Message for Everyday Life (The Mind That Cannot Decide)
The double sense of this verse mirrors a familiar human condition: on the surface we speak with confidence, while beneath it runs doubt. We say 'everything is under control' while a small voice says it is not. The Gita teaches that clarity begins when we stop covering the doubt and look at it honestly. Only a mind that admits its confusion can seek real guidance, as Arjuna will soon do.
This is among the most discussed verses of the opening chapter because of the double meaning of its key words.
A. Aparyāptaṁ tad asmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam
The Kaurava army is bhīṣmābhirakṣitam, protected by Bhīṣma. The word aparyāptam can mean 'insufficient, limited' or 'unlimited, immeasurable'. Some commentators read Duryodhana as saying proudly, 'Our army, guarded by Bhīṣma, is immeasurable.' Others read it as an unguarded admission of worry: 'Our army, though led by Bhīṣma, is not quite enough.' The word is genuinely ambiguous, and this ambiguity reflects the divided state of his mind.
B. Paryāptaṁ tv idam eteṣāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣitam
The Pāṇḍava army is bhīmābhirakṣitam, protected by Bhīma. Paryāptam can mean 'sufficient, limited' or 'adequate, enough'. On the first reading it means the enemy force is limited and can be counted; on the second, it means their army is sufficient for the task. Again, one reading expresses confidence, and the other reveals fear.
C. A subtle contrast between the two protectors
Duryodhana chooses Bhīṣma to represent his side and Bhīma to represent the other, a contrast between a venerable, restrained elder and a powerful, impetuous warrior. Bhīṣma had promised not to kill the Pāṇḍavas, and Duryodhana may have sensed this reluctance in his commander. The very person he trusts as protector is also the one whose heart is divided.
Message for Everyday Life (The Mind That Cannot Decide)
The double sense of this verse mirrors a familiar human condition: on the surface we speak with confidence, while beneath it runs doubt. We say 'everything is under control' while a small voice says it is not. The Gita teaches that clarity begins when we stop covering the doubt and look at it honestly. Only a mind that admits its confusion can seek real guidance, as Arjuna will soon do.
Next Topic
Duryodhana has weighed the two armies and left his own judgement uncertain. In the next verse, his concern becomes practical, and he instructs all his commanders to stand firm in their positions and, above all, to protect Bhīṣma.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Confidence is quiet when it is real.
Honest assessment protects from rude surprises.
Choose words that carry truth, not just comfort.
Real strength includes purpose and character.
Doubt hides in the most confident sentences.
A leader is measured by the protection he offers, not the claim he makes.
Reality does not bend to our descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the word 'aparyāptam' (unlimited or insufficient) understood in two ways?
Why is 'paryāptam' (limited or sufficient) also read in two ways?
Why does he mention Bhishma and Bhima as protectors?
Does this verse reveal Duryodhana's real feelings?
How is this verse relevant today?
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