Chapter 1, Verse 28

In this verse, Arjuna is talking to Krishna, expressing his deep emotions as he looks at the battlefield. He sees his friends and family—people he loves and cares about—getting ready to fight against him. This sight overwhelms him with a strong wave of compassion and sorrow. Instead of feeling excited or brave about the battle, he feels scared and anxious. His body starts shaking, and he feels like he can't even speak properly because his mouth is dry.

This reaction shows how kind-hearted Arjuna is. He doesn't just see them as warriors on the other side but as his loved ones, each person with their own family and dreams. Arjuna feels that these people choosing to fight—like his friends, cousins, and teachers—is painful to him.

Arjuna's compassion comes from his love. He is not just worried about himself; he thinks about the consequences of fighting. What about the families of those who might die? What about the love and relationships being destroyed in this conflict?

His feelings are not a sign of weakness. Instead, they highlight his gentle nature and the true qualities of someone who has a loving heart. Although he is a great warrior, at this moment, he feels a deep conflict inside him between his duty as a fighter and his love for his family. This internal struggle makes it hard for him to cope with the situation.

In simpler terms, imagine a person being asked to compete against their childhood friends in a sports match. The excitement of winning is overshadowed by the thought of hurting those friends. That’s how Arjuna feels—caught in a tough spot where his heart and duty are pulling him in opposite directions. His trembling limbs and dry mouth symbolize how deeply this situation affects him emotionally.

Overall, this moment shows how love and compassion can sometimes create confusion, especially when faced with tough choices. It reminds us that caring for others is a powerful and profound part of being human.