dhṛitarāśhtra uvācha
dharma-kṣhetre kuru-kṣhetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ
māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāśhchaiva kimakurvata sañjaya
dhṛitarāśhtraḥ uvācha — Dhritarashtra said;
dharma-kṣhetre — the land of dharma;
kuru-kṣhetre — at Kurukshetra;
samavetāḥ — having gathered;
yuyutsavaḥ — desiring to fight;
māmakāḥ — my sons;
pāṇḍavāḥ — the sons of Pandu;
cha — and;
eva — certainly;
kim — what;
akurvata — did they do;
sañjaya — Sanjay
This verse starts with Dhritarashtra, the blind king, talking to his advisor Sanjaya. They are at Kuruksetra, a significant battlefield and also a holy place. In his question, Dhritarashtra is curious about what his sons (the Kauravas) and the sons of Pandu (the Pandavas) are doing as they come together for battle.
Let's break it down further:
1. **Context of the Dialogue**: Dhritarashtra's question reveals his concern about the upcoming war. He wants to know about the actions and plans of both groups that have gathered to fight. This fight represents a struggle for power and justice, making it both a family conflict and a larger moral conflict.
2. **The Significance of Kuruksetra**: The battlefield is not just any place; it's called 'dharma-kṣhetra,' which means a place where righteousness or duty is practiced. This indicates that the events that are about to unfold are not just about winning or losing; they relate to broader principles of morality and duty. Dhritarashtra likely refers to this place to emphasize how significant the setting is for the battle.
3. **Dhritarashtra’s Doubts**: As the father of the Kauravas, he harbors doubts about his sons’ chances against the Pandavas. He feels anxious and uncertain. His question implies a need for reassurance; he wants to know if his sons are prepared and what they intend to do in response to the situation. Dhritarashtra's worry shows his inner conflict and highlights the theme of familial bonds versus duty.
4. **The Role of Sanjaya**: Sanjaya is a key figure here; he is a wise advisor who can see the battlefield from a distance. His ability to narrate the events to Dhritarashtra, despite not being on the field, symbolizes a deeper insight into situations. This portrays how knowledge and wisdom can help illuminate dark times and troubled minds.
5. **Family and Conflict**: By mentioning "my sons and the sons of Pandu," Dhritarashtra distinguishes between his own family and the Pandavas, who are also close relatives. This separation shows the tension and fractured relationships caused by their struggle for the throne. Dhritarashtra’s skepticism highlights the emotional strain as he sees his family divided, revealing a painful aspect of familial love overshadowed by ambition and conflict.
6. **Overall Importance**: This verse sets the stage for the entire epic of the Mahabharata and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. It brings forward themes of duty, morality, family loyalty, and the consequences of conflict. By opening with a question reflecting his concerns, it invites readers to think about their own moral dilemmas and the complexities of life's battles, both big and small.
Thus, through this simple inquiry from Dhritarashtra, we are led into a deep exploration of human nature and the ethical challenges we face.