Summary of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1: Arjuna's Dilemma & Krishna's Guidance"

 Chapter 1

This Chapter of the Bhagwat Gita is called "Arjuna Vishada Yoga" or "The Yoga of Arjuna's Despondency(despair)", which sets the stage for the rest of the text. The chapter begins with the warrior prince Arjuna surveying the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where he is about to engage in a war against his own family members. Here Arjuna is facing a moral dilemma as he prepares for battle against his own relatives, including his teacher and grandfather.

                                                                             Lord  Krishna guiding  Arjuna 

As the chapter begins, Arjuna is standing on the battlefield, surveying the opposing army and suddenly loses his nerve. He is filled with doubts and fears about the consequences of the war.  

 As he looks upon the army on both sides, Arjuna becomes overwhelmed with grief and confusion and then turns to his charioteer, Krishna, for guidance.  He expresses his doubts and fears to Lord Krishna, his charioteer and spiritual guide, saying that he cannot bear the thought of fighting and killing his own relatives. 

Lord Krishna responds by chastising Arjuna for his weakness and reminding him of his duty as a warrior and a member of the Kshatriya caste. He explains that it is Arjuna's duty to fight for the cause of dharma, or righteousness and that he must not be swayed by attachment or aversion.

                                                                  Lord Krishna and Arjuna 

He explains that it is better to do one's duty, even if it means engaging in a righteous battle than to avoid it out of fear or attachment to the consequences. 

He reminds Arjuna that his duty as a warrior is to fight for what is right and just, even if it means going against his own family members.

Throughout the chapter, Arjuna expresses his doubts and fears, and Krishna patiently responds to each of his concerns with wisdom and compassion. The chapter ends with Arjuna agreeing to follow Krishna's guidance and fulfill his duty as a warrior.

The chapter ends with Arjuna laying down his bow and arrows, overcome by sorrow and despair. Lord Krishna begins to teach him the principles of yoga, which will be expounded upon in the following chapters.

Overall, Chapter 1 sets up the central conflict of the Bhagavad Gita - the struggle between Arjuna's desire for peace and his duty to fight - and introduces the key themes of the text, such as dharma, karma, and yoga.  

                                                                                                                                 Next Chapter 2 of the Bhagwat Gita