Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 1.10 अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम्
श्लोक 1.10
अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् ।
पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् ॥
aparyāptaṃ tadasmākaṃ balaṃ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam |
paryāptaṃ tvidameteṣāṃ balaṃ bhīmābhirakṣitam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
भीष्म द्वारा रक्षित हमारी सेना अपर्याप्त लगती है, जबकि भीम द्वारा रक्षित उनकी सेना पर्याप्त है। (कुछ लोग इसका अर्थ उलटा भी लेते हैं कि हमारी सेना असीम है और उनकी सीमित।)
Meaning in English
Our strength, guarded by Bhishma, seems insufficient, while their strength, guarded by Bhima, seems sufficient. [This line is read in two ways: some take it to mean our force is unlimited and theirs limited.]
Bhagavad Gita 1.10 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अपर्याप्तम् | aparyāptam | unlimited, or insufficient |
| तत् | tat | that |
| अस्माकम् | asmākam | our |
| बलम् | balam | strength, army |
| भीष्म-अभिरक्षितम् | bhīṣma-abhirakṣitam | protected by Bhishma |
| पर्याप्तम् | paryāptam | limited, or sufficient |
| तु | tu | but |
| इदम् | idam | this |
| एतेषाम् | eteṣām | of theirs |
| बलम् | balam | army |
| भीम-अभिरक्षितम् | bhīma-abhirakṣitam | protected by Bhima |
Explanation
Our army, guarded by Bhishma, is aparyāpta, while their army, guarded by Bhima, is paryāpta. The two key words can be read in opposite ways: our force is unlimited and theirs limited, or our force is inadequate and theirs adequate.
This is a well-known puzzle of the Gita. Read as boasting, Duryodhana is pointing to his larger army, eleven divisions against the Pandavas' seven. Read as worry, he is admitting that numbers may not be enough, perhaps because Bhishma's heart is not fully in the fight. Traditional commentators are divided, and many modern readers feel the double meaning suits a man torn between confidence and fear. Bhima is named as the Pandava guardian because he had sworn to kill Duryodhana and his brothers.
भावार्थ
भीष्म द्वारा रक्षित हमारी सेना अपर्याप्त है और भीम द्वारा रक्षित इनकी सेना पर्याप्त है। इसका अर्थ दो तरह से लिया जाता है — हमारी सेना असीम है, या हमारी सेना पूरी नहीं पड़ती। दुर्योधन का मन घमण्ड और भय दोनों में झूल रहा है।
Living it today
Size and resources do not guarantee success. Ask honestly whether the people around you are truly committed to the goal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 1.10?
Our army, guarded by Bhishma, is aparyāpta, while their army, guarded by Bhima, is paryāpta. The two key words can be read in opposite ways: our force is unlimited and theirs limited, or our force is inadequate and theirs adequate.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 1.10?
Sanjaya speaks this verse, in Chapter 1 (Arjuna Vishada Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 1.10 in daily life?
Size and resources do not guarantee success. Ask honestly whether the people around you are truly committed to the goal.
Reflected on verse 1.10?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.