अर्जुन उवाच | कथं भीष्ममहं सङ्ख्ये द्रोणं च मधुसूदन | इषुभि: प्रतियोत्स्यामि पूजार्हावरिसूदन || 4 || |
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“Arjuna said: O Madhusudana, how can I counterattack in battle with arrows against Bhishma and Drona, who are worthy of my worship?”
Commentary
Arjuna is hesitant and filled with compassion for his respected elders and teachers, Bhishma and Drona, who are on the opposing side in the battle. He finds it difficult to comprehend how he can engage in combat against them, as they are deserving of his reverence and worship.
Arjuna addresses Krishna as “Madhusudana,” which means the “slayer of the demon Madhu.” This is one of the names of Krishna, indicating his divine nature and ability to overcome obstacles and challenges.
He is torn between his duty as a warrior to fight in the battle and his sense of reverence for his elders and teachers. Arjuna’s concern stems from a deep respect for Bhishma and Drona, who are renowned warriors and elders of the family.
Arjuna perceives Bhishma as his own sense of individuality, ego, or conditioned identity that has been with him throughout his life. Drona symbolizes the power of sensory habits, representing the strong influences and attachments to material desires and sensory pleasures.
Arjuna’s question reflects his internal struggle and doubt about how he can muster the strength to overcome these deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behavior. He wonders how he can direct his efforts of self-control and discipline against aspects of himself that have shaped his mental state for so long. He sees them as deserving of worship or reverence due to their influence and impact.
The act of seeking answers in itself is an inherent spiritual yearning for permanent happiness. One day of sensory fasting by denying the simple cravings and desires of all five senses, with continuous prayers to God will certainly give a glimpse of Arjuna’s despondency. This thought to fast and fight sense inclinations sets the stage for an inner psychological Kurukshetra war making any beginner feel reluctant and fearful; rational and sympathetic toward his own nature like Arjuna.