Bhagavad Gita 1.28 — Overcome by Compassion, Arjuna Begins to Speak
कृपया परयाविष्टो विषीदन्निदमब्रवीत् ।
अर्जुन उवाच ।
दृष्ट्वेमं स्वजनं कृष्ण युयुत्सुं समुपस्थितम् ॥ १.२८ ॥
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Overcome with deep compassion and sinking in sorrow, he said this. Arjuna said: O Krishna, having seen these kinsmen of mine present here, eager to fight—
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kṛpayā | with compassion |
| parayā | deep, great |
| āviṣhṭaḥ | overcome, filled |
| viṣhīdan | grieving, sinking in sorrow |
| idam | this |
| abravīt | said |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| dṛṣhṭvā | having seen |
| imam | these |
| svajanam | own kinsmen |
| kṛṣhṇa | O Krishna |
| yuyutsum | eager to fight |
| samupasthitam | present, arrayed |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kṛpayā | with compassion | dṛṣhṭvā | having seen |
| parayā | deep, great | imam | these |
| āviṣhṭaḥ | overcome, filled | svajanam | own kinsmen |
| viṣhīdan | grieving, sinking in sorrow | kṛṣhṇa | O Krishna |
| idam | this | yuyutsum | eager to fight |
| abravīt | said | samupasthitam | present, arrayed |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna is now overcome by a deep, tender compassion, and filled with sorrow he begins to speak to Lord Krishna. This is the point at which the warrior's resolve starts to give way. The verse introduces the key word of the chapter, <em>viṣāda</em>, despondency.
Essence
This verse marks the emotional turning point of the chapter.
A. Kṛpayā parayāviṣṭaḥ (overcome by deep compassion)
The word kṛpā means compassion or tenderness, and parayā means supreme or great. Arjuna is āviṣṭa, entered or possessed, by this feeling. Compassion is generally a virtue, but here it has overtaken his judgement. The Gita draws a careful distinction: compassion that arises from wisdom helps others, but emotion that arises from attachment can paralyse action.
B. Viṣīdann idam abravīt (sorrowing, he spoke these words)
The word viṣīdan comes from the root that gives us viṣāda, the name of this chapter. It means to sink, to lose heart. The chapter is called Arjuna Viṣāda Yoga, the Yoga of Arjuna's Despondency, which suggests that even sorrow can become a doorway to spiritual understanding if it is brought to the right teacher.
C. Dṛṣṭvemaṁ svajanaṁ kṛṣṇa yuyutsuṁ samupasthitam
The verse then begins Arjuna's words: 'Seeing these my own people, O Kṛṣṇa, standing ready to fight...' The word svajana, 'my own people', is important. It echoes the māmakāḥ of Dhṛtarāṣṭra in verse 1. Both the king and the warrior speak of 'my own', showing that attachment lies at the root of both their troubles. Yet where the king remains blind, Arjuna will turn to the Lord for help.
Message for Everyday Life (When Feeling Overtakes Thinking)
Strong emotion is not wrong, but when it takes over completely, we lose our ability to act with clarity. It helps to recognise this moment, to name it, and, like Arjuna, to bring it honestly to someone we trust. Often the first step out of confusion is simply to speak it aloud.
This verse marks the emotional turning point of the chapter.
A. Kṛpayā parayāviṣṭaḥ (overcome by deep compassion)
The word kṛpā means compassion or tenderness, and parayā means supreme or great. Arjuna is āviṣṭa, entered or possessed, by this feeling. Compassion is generally a virtue, but here it has overtaken his judgement. The Gita draws a careful distinction: compassion that arises from wisdom helps others, but emotion that arises from attachment can paralyse action.
B. Viṣīdann idam abravīt (sorrowing, he spoke these words)
The word viṣīdan comes from the root that gives us viṣāda, the name of this chapter. It means to sink, to lose heart. The chapter is called Arjuna Viṣāda Yoga, the Yoga of Arjuna's Despondency, which suggests that even sorrow can become a doorway to spiritual understanding if it is brought to the right teacher.
C. Dṛṣṭvemaṁ svajanaṁ kṛṣṇa yuyutsuṁ samupasthitam
The verse then begins Arjuna's words: 'Seeing these my own people, O Kṛṣṇa, standing ready to fight...' The word svajana, 'my own people', is important. It echoes the māmakāḥ of Dhṛtarāṣṭra in verse 1. Both the king and the warrior speak of 'my own', showing that attachment lies at the root of both their troubles. Yet where the king remains blind, Arjuna will turn to the Lord for help.
Message for Everyday Life (When Feeling Overtakes Thinking)
Strong emotion is not wrong, but when it takes over completely, we lose our ability to act with clarity. It helps to recognise this moment, to name it, and, like Arjuna, to bring it honestly to someone we trust. Often the first step out of confusion is simply to speak it aloud.
Next Topic
Arjuna has begun to speak to Krishna in sorrow. In the next two verses he describes in detail what is happening to his body: trembling limbs, a dry mouth, shaking, standing hair and a bow that slips from his hand.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Tenderness is not weakness, but it needs wisdom.
Sorrow tells us what we hold dear.
Speaking our pain opens the way to help.
Even the strongest need a guide.
Confusion is the beginning of inquiry.
The heart speaks first; understanding follows.
Crisis often hides a teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arjuna's compassion considered good or bad in the Gita?
What does 'kṛpayā parayā āviṣhṭaḥ' (overcome with deep compassion) mean?
Why is Arjuna described as 'viṣhīdan' (sinking in sorrow)?
Why does Arjuna say 'svajanam' (own kinsmen)?
Where does this verse lead?
Explore related topics
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