Bhagavad Gita 1.22 — Arjuna Wishes to Observe Those Who Stand Ready to Fight
यावदेतान्निरीक्षेऽहं योद्धुकामानवस्थितान् ।
कैर्मया सह योद्धव्यमस्मिन्रणसमुद्यमे ॥ १.२२ ॥
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So that I may observe these who stand arrayed, desiring to fight, and know with whom I must fight in this undertaking of war.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yāvat | as long as, until |
| etān | these |
| nirīkṣhe | I may observe |
| aham | I |
| yoddhukāmān | desiring to fight |
| avasthitān | standing arrayed |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kaiḥ | with whom |
| mayā | by me |
| saha | together with |
| yoddhavyam | must be fought |
| asmin | in this |
| raṇasamudyame | in the undertaking of battle |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yāvat | as long as, until | kaiḥ | with whom |
| etān | these | mayā | by me |
| nirīkṣhe | I may observe | saha | together with |
| aham | I | yoddhavyam | must be fought |
| yoddhukāmān | desiring to fight | asmin | in this |
| avasthitān | standing arrayed | raṇasamudyame | in the undertaking of battle |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna gives the reason for his request. He wants to look at those who stand ready for battle and to know with whom he must fight in this great undertaking. At this stage his attitude is still one of a determined warrior, though a little wonder has begun to appear.
Essence
This verse completes the thought begun in verse 21.
A. Yāvad etān nirīkṣe 'haṁ yoddhukāmān avasthitān (so that I may look at those who stand eager to fight)
The word nirīkṣe means to look carefully. Arjuna wants a thorough view of yoddhukāmān, those who desire to fight. At this moment, he sees them only as opponents, as 'those who stand eager for battle'. He has not yet recognised their faces as those of teachers, elders and relatives.
B. Kair mayā saha yoddhavyam (with whom must I fight?)
The question 'with whom must I fight?' is a straightforward military enquiry, but the word yoddhavyam, 'must be fought', carries a note of duty. Arjuna still speaks from the perspective of obligation.
C. Asmin raṇasamudyame (in this undertaking of war)
He refers to the battle as a samudyama, a great enterprise. The language is formal and composed. It reveals a man who is still in control of himself, though the next few verses will show how quickly this composure can break down.
Message for Everyday Life (Looking Before We Leap)
It is wise to see clearly before taking a major decision. But we also need to be prepared for what clarity might reveal. Seeing the full picture of a situation can bring pain, as it will for Arjuna, yet it is better than acting in ignorance. The Gita will teach that truth, even when it is hard to face, is the beginning of freedom.
This verse completes the thought begun in verse 21.
A. Yāvad etān nirīkṣe 'haṁ yoddhukāmān avasthitān (so that I may look at those who stand eager to fight)
The word nirīkṣe means to look carefully. Arjuna wants a thorough view of yoddhukāmān, those who desire to fight. At this moment, he sees them only as opponents, as 'those who stand eager for battle'. He has not yet recognised their faces as those of teachers, elders and relatives.
B. Kair mayā saha yoddhavyam (with whom must I fight?)
The question 'with whom must I fight?' is a straightforward military enquiry, but the word yoddhavyam, 'must be fought', carries a note of duty. Arjuna still speaks from the perspective of obligation.
C. Asmin raṇasamudyame (in this undertaking of war)
He refers to the battle as a samudyama, a great enterprise. The language is formal and composed. It reveals a man who is still in control of himself, though the next few verses will show how quickly this composure can break down.
Message for Everyday Life (Looking Before We Leap)
It is wise to see clearly before taking a major decision. But we also need to be prepared for what clarity might reveal. Seeing the full picture of a situation can bring pain, as it will for Arjuna, yet it is better than acting in ignorance. The Gita will teach that truth, even when it is hard to face, is the beginning of freedom.
Next Topic
Arjuna has stated that he wants to see those he must fight. In the next verse he adds one more phrase, a remark about whom the opposing warriors are trying to please, which reveals how he still views the war.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Look closely before you commit.
Behind every cause are people.
Real observation can change real plans.
Know whom your choices will touch.
Clarity is the beginning of conscience.
The deepest doubts begin with simple looking.
Seeing others plainly opens the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Arjuna want to observe the warriors?
What does 'yoddhukāmān' (desiring to fight) suggest?
What is meant by 'raṇasamudyame' (the undertaking of battle)?
Does Arjuna already have doubts here?
What practical lesson can we take?
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