1.23 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 1, Verse 23

Bhagavad Gita verse 1.23 captures a crucial moment on the battlefield of Kurukshetra as Arjuna expresses his desire to observe those who have gathered to fight on behalf of Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra. The Sanskrit verse "yotsyamānān avekṣhe 'haṁ ya ete 'tra samāgatāḥ, dhārtarāṣhṭrasya durbuddher yuddhe priya-chikīrṣhavaḥ" translates to "I desire to see those who have come here to fight on the side of the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra, wishing to please him."

This verse reveals Arjuna's state of mind as he prepares for the inevitable battle. Having positioned his chariot between the two armies, he now explains his reasoning - he wants to examine those who have chosen to align themselves with what he considers an unjust cause. Arjuna specifically refers to Duryodhana as "durbuddhi" (evil-minded or of corrupted intelligence), indicating his assessment of Duryodhana's character and intentions.

Arjuna's bewilderment is palpable in this verse. He struggles to comprehend how so many warriors could gather to support someone whose actions were clearly adharmic (unrighteous). His request to survey the opposition stems from a mixture of tactical consideration and genuine astonishment at how respected warriors could align themselves with someone whose intelligence was corrupted and who couldn't foresee the devastating consequences of war.

There's a subtle psychological dimension to this verse as well. By referring to those who came "wishing to please" Duryodhana, Arjuna recognizes that many warriors might not personally harbor ill will toward the Pandavas but have joined the Kaurava side due to obligations, political alliances, or personal benefits. This understanding adds complexity to Arjuna's emotional state as he prepares to face not just enemies, but potentially those who have been misled or compromised in their judgment.

The verse also highlights the concept that people of similar dispositions tend to gather together - "birds of a feather flock together." Arjuna implies that those standing with Duryodhana might share his corrupted values or at least be willing to compromise their principles for personal gain. This represents a profound insight into human social dynamics and how unrighteous leadership can corrupt those who follow.

From a broader perspective, this verse illuminates how associations and alliances in life can sometimes place individuals in opposition to dharma (righteousness) even when they might not have intended such an outcome. It's a powerful reminder of how our choices in relationships and allegiances can ultimately determine which side of the moral divide we find ourselves on during crucial moments of conflict.

As Swami Chinmayananda notes in his commentary, we can almost hear "the great warrior's teeth grinding, as he spits out these hot words which express his mental estimate of his relentless cousins." This vivid image helps us understand the emotional tension building within Arjuna as he prepares to face not just an enemy army, but a collection of individuals who have chosen to support what he views as an unscrupulous and unjust cause led by his power-hungry cousin.