Chapter 1, Verse 9 (Bhagavad Gita 1.9)
Chapter 1: Arjun Viṣhād Yog – Arjuna's Dilemma
Sanskrit Shloka
अन्ये च बहवः शूरा मदर्थे त्यक्तजीविताः। नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः
Transliteration
anye cha bahavaḥ śhūrā madarthe tyaktajīvitāḥ nānā-śhastra-praharaṇāḥ sarve yuddha-viśhāradāḥ
Word Meanings
anye—others; cha—also; bahavaḥ—many; śhūrāḥ—heroic warriors; mat-arthe—for my sake; tyakta-jīvitāḥ—prepared to lay down their lives; nānā-śhastra-praharaṇāḥ—equipped with various kinds of weapons; sarve—all; yuddha-viśhāradāḥ—skilled in the art of warfare
Translation
And also many other heroes, ready to give up their lives for my sake, armed with various weapons and missiles, all well-skilled in battle.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse reveals the deep psychological burden of leadership, where Duryodhana seeks validation through the external validation of loyal followers willing to die for his cause. It reflects a misplaced sense of security derived from worldly attachments and material power, highlighting the ego's attempt to anchor its existence in the devotion of others rather than inner virtue.