yuddhāya samupasthite dharmakṣetre cāgatam, yadṛcchayā cāpāgamādrathān gajānyuyutsumaḥ.
“When the battle is about to commence, and having arrived at the field of duty, I have come here by chance to see the sons of my grandfather, who are ready to fight.”
Structure
yuddhāya samupasthite dharmakṣetre cāgatam yadṛcchayā cāpāgamādrathān gajānyuyutsumaḥ
ahaṃ (I) yuyutsavaḥ (wish to fight) yadṛcchayā (by chance) āgamam (have come) rathān (on chariots) gajān (and elephants) dharmakṣetre (on the field of dharma) yuddhāya (for battle) samupasthite (being present) cāgatam (and have arrived)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yuddhāya | yuddhāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | for battle |
| samupasthite | samupasthite | verb | √sthā · present participle · third | who has arrived |
| dharmakṣetre | dharmakṣetre | compound | karmadhāraya · "dharmakṣetraṃ" | in the field of dharma |
| cāgatam | cāgatam | indeclinable | — | and having come |
| yadṛcchayā | yadṛcchayā | indeclinable | — | spontaneously |
| cāpāgamādrathān | cāpāgamādrathān | compound | tatpuruṣa · "cāpāgamādrathān" | having approached the chariots |
| gajānyuyutsumaḥ | gajānyuyutsumaḥ | verb | √yut · optative · first | I desire to fight |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Arjuna's arrival at the field of duty is indicative of the individual self's (jīva) immersion into the realm of worldly action. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, specifically on this verse, highlights the idea that Arjuna's presence in the battlefield signifies the inevitable engagement of the self with the world, despite inner reservations. The phrase 'yadṛcchayā cāpāgamād' suggests an element of chance or accident, implying that the self's involvement in worldly affairs is not entirely within its control. This underscores the Advaita notion that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human control and will. By examining Arjuna's predicament, Shankara illustrates how the individual self, enmeshed in the world, may still aspire to realize its true nature as the unchanging, all-pervading Brahman-ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya interprets this verse as a demonstration of Arjuna's dharmic obligation to engage in battle, exemplifying the principle of svadharma. Arjuna's reluctance is seen as an opportunity for Krishna to expound on the nature of duty, selfless action, and devotion. The phrase 'dharmakṣetre cāgatam' is particularly significant, as it establishes the context of a sacred duty that transcends personal desire. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme Lord (Īśvara), highlighting Arjuna's dependence on Krishna's guidance. This verse thus exemplifies the Vaiṣṇava concept of prapatti, or surrender to a higher power, which is seen as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as an allegory for the individual's struggle to navigate the complexities of life. Arjuna's arrival at the battlefield represents the moment of confrontation with one's own weaknesses and doubts. The phrase 'yadṛcchayā cāpāgamād' suggests the unpredictable nature of life, which can lead to feelings of helplessness. Vivekānanda argues that it is in these moments of uncertainty that the individual must draw upon inner resources of strength and courage, as embodied by the ideal of the 'warrior-sage.' Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, builds upon this idea, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and introspection in navigating life's challenges. This verse is seen as a call to cultivate a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, in order to fulfill one's duties with integrity and purpose.