Bhagavad-gītā 1.8 – Study Guide
1. Purport Metrics & Overview
| Purport Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of times cited by Śrīla Prabhupāda | 1 |
| Total No. of Words in Purport | 64 |
| No. of Paragraphs in Purport | 1 |
| Purport Paragraph Title | Duryodhana’s Comparative Assessment of His Own Army |
High-Level Flow:
- Duryodhana now begins listing his own powerful warriors, attempting to show confidence in his army.
- He mentions Bhīṣma, Karṇa, Kṛpācārya, Aśvatthāmā, Vikarṇa, and Bhūriśravā, all of whom were considered exceptional fighters.
- His goal is to assure Droṇācārya that the Kaurava army is just as strong as the Pāṇḍavas.
2. Verse & Translation
Sanskrit:
bhavān bhīṣmaś ca karṇaś ca
kṛpaś ca samitiṁ-jayaḥ
aśvatthāmā vikarṇaś ca
saumadattis tathaiva ca
Translation:
“There are personalities like yourself, Bhīṣma, Karṇa, Kṛpa, Aśvatthāmā, Vikarṇa, and the son of Somadatta called Bhūriśravā, who are always victorious in battle.”
3. Connection with Previous Verse
Verse 1.7 introduced the idea of listing the Kaurava commanders.
Verse 1.8 now names the specific warriors Duryodhana sees as essential to his army’s success.
Key Link:
- Duryodhana attempts to boost morale by listing warriors he considers superior.
- He shifts from analyzing the enemy (1.4–1.6) to highlighting his own strengths.
4. Sambandha, Abhidheya, or Prayojana?
Category: Sambandha-tattva (Understanding our relationship with Krishna and the material world)
Sambandha-tattva defines the nature of jīva, īśvara, prakṛti, kāla, and karma.
Duryodhana believes victory is determined by the strength of warriors, not by Krishna’s will.
He places his faith in military power rather than in righteousness (dharma).
✅ This verse is Sambandha-tattva because it highlights:
- The conditioned soul’s illusion that success depends on material strength alone.
- Duryodhana’s misplaced confidence in his army rather than divine protection.
- How ego and diplomacy influence leadership decisions.
5. Analysis of Key Terms
Bhavān (Yourself)
Duryodhana addresses Droṇācārya first, again flattering him to ensure his loyalty.
Samitiṁ-jayaḥ (Always Victorious in Battle)
Duryodhana calls his warriors invincible, despite knowing they are facing Krishna’s will.
6. Connection to the Five Topics of Bhagavad-gītā
| Topic | Connection in Verse 1.8 |
|---|---|
| Īśvara (Supreme Lord) | Duryodhana sees his warriors as supreme, ignoring Krishna’s control over destiny. |
| Jīva (Living entity) | Duryodhana represents the conditioned soul, trapped in illusion and pride. |
| Prakṛti (Material nature) | The army, weapons, and battle formations are external elements of prakṛti. |
| Kāla (Time) | Kāla is moving toward the destruction of the Kauravas, yet Duryodhana believes he is in control. |
| Karma (Actions & Results) | Each warrior’s presence is the result of their past karma and adherence to dharma or adharma. |
7. Key Points from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Purport
Duryodhana’s Comparative Assessment of His Own Army
- Duryodhana names each warrior, emphasizing their heroic background.
- Vikarṇa is his own brother, showing his desire to promote family strength.
- Aśvatthāmā, the son of Droṇācārya, is mentioned to further bind Droṇācārya emotionally to the Kaurava side.
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Purport Citation:
“Duryodhana mentioned the exceptional heroes in the battle, all of whom are ever-victorious.”
8. Practical Lessons
False Confidence in Material Strength
Duryodhana relies on numbers and reputation rather than divine protection.
Flattery and Political Diplomacy
He uses strategic words to win Droṇācārya’s full commitment.
Victory Comes from Dharma, Not Just Power
Despite his claims, true victory is determined by righteousness, which the Kauravas lack.
9. Preaching Relevance & Application
| Preaching Topic | How This Verse is Relevant |
|---|---|
| Trust in Krishna Over Material Strength | Duryodhana trusts his warriors, while the Pāṇḍavas trust Krishna. |
| Pride and Illusion in Leadership | Duryodhana’s belief in invincible warriors shows his arrogance. |
| Material Intelligence vs. Spiritual Surrender | Duryodhana calculates strategy, but destiny is in Krishna’s hands. |
10. Conclusion
Bhagavad-gītā 1.8 reveals Duryodhana’s attempt to inspire confidence by listing his army’s best warriors. However, his approach is based on material strength rather than dharma. He flatteringly addresses Droṇācārya first, reinforcing his need for full loyalty from his guru. Despite his declarations, Krishna has already determined the outcome, making his calculations futile.