Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 1.22 यावदेतान्निरीक्षेऽहं योद्धुकामानवस्थितान्

Arjuna Chapter 1, Verse 22 With word-by-word notes

श्लोक 1.22

यावदेतान्निरीक्षेऽहं योद्धुकामानवस्थितान् ।
कैर्मया सह योद्धव्यमस्मिन् रणसमुद्यमे ॥

yāvadetānnirīkṣe'haṃ yoddhukāmānavasthitān |
kairmayā saha yoddhavyamasmin raṇasamudyame ||

हिन्दी अर्थ

ताकि मैं युद्ध की इच्छा से खड़े इन योद्धाओं को अच्छी तरह देख सकूँ, और जान सकूँ कि इस युद्ध में मुझे किन-किन से लड़ना है।

Meaning in English

so that I may look at those who stand here eager for battle, and see whom I must fight in this coming war.

Bhagavad Gita 1.22 — word by word

WordTransliterationMeaning
यावत्yāvatso that, while
एतान्etānthese
निरीक्षेnirīkṣemay look at
अहम्ahamI
योद्धु-कामान्yoddhu-kāmāneager to fight
अवस्थितान्avasthitānstanding in array
कैःkaiḥwith whom
मयाmayāby me
सहsahatogether with
योद्धव्यम्yoddhavyammust be fought
अस्मिन्asminin this
रण-समुद्यमेraṇa-samudyameundertaking of battle

Explanation

So that I may look at these men standing here eager to fight, and see with whom I must do battle in this great undertaking.

Arjuna's purpose seems practical: a warrior surveys the enemy. But the words 'with whom I must fight' already carry a personal note. He wants to see faces, not just ranks. Commentators observe that this simple wish to look is what opens the door to his crisis: seeing his own family in front of him changes everything.

भावार्थ

ताकि मैं युद्ध की इच्छा से डटे इन योद्धाओं को देख लूँ कि इस युद्ध में मुझे किन-किन के साथ लड़ना है।

Living it today

Looking honestly at a situation can change how you feel about it. Be ready for what clear sight may show you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 1.22?

So that I may look at these men standing here eager to fight, and see with whom I must do battle in this great undertaking.

Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 1.22?

Arjuna speaks this verse, in Chapter 1 (Arjuna Vishada Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.

How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 1.22 in daily life?

Looking honestly at a situation can change how you feel about it. Be ready for what clear sight may show you.

Reflected on verse 1.22?

Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.