VERSE NUMBER: 9

     MULTITUDINOUS IS OUR ARMY MARSHALLED BY BHISHMA, BUT MEAGRE IS THE ARMY OF THEIRS MARSHALLED BY BHIMA:

Comments:

Swamy Chidbhavandar’s  commentary holds the view that more than the size of the army, the discipline and ardent soldiers are of preponderating influence.

And another notable feature is the inconsistency in Duriyodhana ‘s stance. He first subtly censures his own master, Drona for having taught the archery and warfare to the Pandavas, and then he becomes  subtler and draws his attention to his varna, a timid Brahmana, and then he repents somewhat and put up an act of high veneration, now he speaks about his side of the army being larger than that of the other’s side. This chapter is called Arjuna vishada yoga, but look at the way the eldest of the kaurava brothers gets himself into a convoluted knot! His state nothing less than that of Arjuna, but, the difference is in the attitude and character; while Arjuna’s despondency is born of confusing the soul with the body and despairs of having to cut away the sthula bodies, Duriyodana’s is not despondency, but rank confusion born of his inward understanding of his unrighteousness and its sure possible effect! There is much in the Holy Gita we can draw which are hidden for only the very discernible. And another fact is the greatness of the commentators like Swamy Chidbhavananadar to have left something very subtle and inward only to the discernible. Repeated perusal of the Holy Gita, at various stages of our lives will bring new vistas and understanding. That is the greatness and the secret of endurance of the Hindu Scriptures. While other scriptures speak to an entire people, Hindu Scriptures like the Holy Gita talks to us individually!