पश्यैतां पाण्डुपुत्राणामाचार्य महतीं चमूम्।
व्यूढां द्रुपदपुत्रेण तव शिष्येण धीमता।।1.3।।
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 1.3
Pashyaitam Panduputranamacharya mahatim chamum
Vyudham Drupadaputrena tava shishyena dhimata
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita 1.3
“Revered Father! Behold this mighty host of the Pandavas, paraded by the son of King Drupada, thy wise disciple.”
English Translation
In this moment, Duryodhana turns to his teacher Dronacharya, highlighting the strategic formation of the Pandava army led by Drupada’s son, Dhrishtadyumna, who is not only Drona’s pupil but also destined to be his adversary. The scene is charged with the irony of fate and the complexities of mentorship turned into rivalry.
Insights into BG 1.3: Reflecting on Swami Ramsukhdas Ji’s Divine Commentary
The invocation of Dronacharya by Duryodhana with the term “Acharya” is loaded with significance. It’s a reminder that Dronacharya, the venerable teacher, is the guru to both the Kauravas and Pandavas, having imparted to them the art of warfare. Duryodhana’s address carries a subtle nudge — a reminder of Drona’s impartial position as a teacher whose allegiance should transcend personal biases.
The mention of “tava shishyena dhimata,” referring to Dhrishtadyumna as the wise disciple of Dronacharya, is drenched in irony and complexity. Dhrishtadyumna, born with the destiny to kill Dronacharya, was nonetheless educated in warfare by him. This speaks volumes about Dronacharya’s commitment to his duty as a teacher, irrespective of the future consequences. Duryodhana’s words are a veiled attempt to stir Dronacharya’s consciousness about the impending conflict where teacher and student stand on opposing sides.
The term “Drupadaputrena” not only identifies Dhrishtadyumna by his lineage but also evokes the historical animosity between Dronacharya and Drupada, adding layers to the impending confrontation. Duryodhana subtly reminds Dronacharya of the past, perhaps in an attempt to kindle a sense of loyalty or vengeance towards the Pandava side.
In highlighting the “mahatim chamum” — the great formation of the Pandava army — Duryodhana seeks to draw Dronacharya’s attention to the military might and strategic prowess of the opposition. It’s a move designed to underscore the threat posed by the Pandava forces, despite their numerical inferiority, and to psychologically prepare Dronacharya for the gravity of the battle ahead.
Swami Ramsukhdas Ji, through this verse, unveils the profound lessons of duty, loyalty, and the dharma of a teacher. Dronacharya’s role transcends the personal, embodying the ideal of performing one’s duty with unwavering integrity, even in the face of personal loss or conflict. This scenario serves as a poignant reminder of the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings on performing one’s duty without attachment to the outcomes.
For seekers of wisdom, this verse is a profound meditation on the nature of duty, the inevitability of destiny, and the importance of upholding one’s principles in the face of life’s intricate moral dilemmas. It teaches us that true wisdom lies in recognizing our roles and responsibilities, and in fulfilling them with a heart detached from personal gain or loss, much like Dronacharya, who teaches even the one destined to be his doom.
Thus, Duryodhana’s address to Dronacharya, while ostensibly a tactical report, delves deeper into themes of fate, duty, and the eternal bonds of teacher and student. It is a testament to the Bhagavad Gita’s timeless wisdom, urging us to reflect on our actions, motivations, and the ultimate duty towards righteousness and truth, as we navigate the battlefield of life.
