Arjuna’s sorrow, confusion and the search for guidance
1.8
अर्जुनविषादयोग
Arjuna Viṣāda Yogaḥ
"धृष्टकेतुश्चेकितानः काशिराजश्च वीर्यवान् । पुरुजित्कुन्तिभोजश्च शैब्यश्च नरपुङ्गवः ॥"
dhṛṣṭaketuścekitānaḥ kāśirājaśca vīryavān purujitkuntibhojaśca śaibyaśca narapuṅgavaḥ
dhṛṣṭaketuḥ — Dhṛṣṭaketu; cekitānaḥ — Cekitāna; kāśirājaḥ — Kāśirāja; ca — also; vīrya-vān — very powerful; purujit — Purujit; kuntibhojaḥ — Kuntibhoja; ca — and; śaibyaḥ — Śaibya; ca — and; nara-puṅgavaḥ — hero in human society.
There are also accomplished heroes like Dhrishtaketu, Chekitan, the gallant King of Kashi, Purujit, Kuntibhoj, and Shaibya—all the best of men.
Duryodhana continues naming the distinguished warriors in the Pāṇḍava army. He mentions Dhṛṣṭaketu, Cekitāna, the mighty King of Kāśi, Purujit, Kuntibhoja and Śaibya, whom he describes as foremost among men. Each of these warriors is recognised for courage, strength and skill in battle.
As Duryodhana continues listing one powerful warrior after another, he draws attention to the depth of the Pāṇḍava forces. His detailed assessment shows that he is aware of the experience and capability gathered on the opposing side. The repeated mention of their strengths also reveals the pressure of the situation as he prepares for the battle.
When we face a difficult situation, recognising the challenges before us is important, but repeatedly focusing on them can increase anxiety. Clear awareness should lead to thoughtful preparation, not fear. When we acknowledge what is before us and focus on what we can do, we are better able to meet challenges with steadiness and confidence.