yāvadetān nirīkṣhe ’haṁ yoddhu-kāmān avasthitān
kairmayā saha yoddhavyam asmin raṇa-samudyame
yāvat — as many as;
etān — these;
nirīkṣhe — look;
aham — I;
yoddhu-kāmān — for the battle;
avasthitān — arrayed;
kaiḥ — with whom;
mayā — by me;
saha — together;
yoddhavyam — must fight;
asmin — in this;
raṇa-samudyame — great combat
In this verse, Arjuna is asking Krishna to place his chariot in a spot where he can clearly see all the warriors lined up for battle on both sides. He wants to take a good look at the people who are eager to fight. This need to observe the warriors closely shows that Arjuna is feeling really conflicted as he prepares for a situation where he might have to fight against his own family, friends, and teachers.
Arjuna's request reveals much about his state of mind. He knows that the war is going to happen and that fighting is unavoidable. However, he feels uneasy and unsure because he doesn’t want to engage in a battle that will result in death and destruction among his loved ones. Seeing these people face-to-face is an attempt for him to grasp their intentions and commitment to this fight, especially since previous chances to solve the conflict peacefully didn’t work out.
This moment illustrates a deeper struggle within Arjuna. He doesn't have a clear decision about whether to fight or not. By wanting to see who he is up against, he is hoping that this will help him gain a better understanding of the situation. Even though he knows warfare is not the right solution, he is still searching for some clarity.
His instinct to observe the warriors in front of him highlights his internal struggle. He faces not just an external battle against his enemies but also an emotional battle regarding right and wrong, his duties, and what is morally acceptable. Every warrior he sees is someone he has personal connections with—people he may have loved and respected at different points in his life. This makes the idea of fighting even more difficult for him.
Arjuna is in a tough spot because he feels his family ties and relationships strongly, yet he is also aware of his responsibilities. This inner conflict is significant and sets the stage for his later discussions with Krishna, where he seeks wisdom about his moral dilemmas and the correct path forward.
Overall, this verse captures a moment of deep reflection and hesitation, showing how complex and difficult life can be when faced with challenging decisions that impact relationships and principles.