Chapter 1, Verse 11 (Bhagavad Gita 1.11)
Chapter 1: Arjun Viṣhād Yog – Arjuna's Dilemma
Sanskrit Shloka
अयनेषु च सर्वेषु यथाभागमवस्थिताः। भीष्ममेवाभिरक्षन्तु भवन्तः सर्व एव हि
Transliteration
ayaneṣhu cha sarveṣhu yathā-bhāgamavasthitāḥ bhīṣhmamevābhirakṣhantu bhavantaḥ sarva eva hi
Word Meanings
ayaneṣhu—at the strategic points; cha—also; sarveṣhu—all; yathā-bhāgam—in respective position; avasthitāḥ—situated; bhīṣhmam—to Grandsire Bheeshma; eva—only; abhirakṣhantu—defend; bhavantaḥ—you; sarve—all; eva hi—even as
Translation
Therefore, do all of you, stationed in your respective positions in the several divisions of the army, protect Bhishma alone.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse symbolizes the ego's strategic attempt to fortify its outdated defense mechanisms, represented by Bhishma, to prevent the inevitable collapse of its delusions. It reflects the mind's desperate effort to preserve established patterns of conditioning even when confronted by the higher truth of the impending internal transformation.