Chapter 1 – Arjuna Viṣāda Yoga

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 29

वेपथुश्च शरीरे मे रोमहर्षश्च जायते ।
गाण्डीवं स्रंसते हस्तात्त्वक्च‍ैव परिदह्यते ॥ २९ ॥

Transliteration

vepathuś ca śarīre me
roma-harṣaś ca jāyate
gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt
tvak caiva paridahyate

Word Meanings

vepathuḥ—trembling of the bodyca—alsośarīre—on the bodyme—myroma-harṣaḥ—standing of hair on endca—alsojāyate—is taking placegāṇḍīvam—the bow of Arjunasraṁsate—is slippinghastāt—from the handtvak—skinca—alsoeva—certainlyparidahyate—is burning.

Translation

My whole body is trembling, my hair is standing on end. My bow Gandiva is slipping from my hand, and my skin is burning.

Commentary

Arjuna now begins to describe the physical impact of his emotional turmoil. Seeing his teachers, elders, relatives, and friends standing on the battlefield has shaken him deeply. The conflict between his duty as a warrior and his attachment to his family has disturbed his mind so much that it begins to affect his body.

For a great warrior like Arjuna, whose confidence and skill were renowned, the slipping of the Gandiva bow symbolizes a moment of inner instability. His mind is no longer steady, and this confusion weakens his readiness to fight.

Administrative Reflection

This verse highlights how intense emotional conflict can disturb both mental clarity and physical composure. When individuals face situations where personal relationships clash with their responsibilities, hesitation and inner turmoil can arise.

In positions of leadership and administration, such moments require the ability to maintain balance and clarity of thought. Effective decision-making often depends on the capacity to rise above emotional pressure and remain guided by one’s duty and principles.

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Chapter 1 – Arjuna Viṣāda Yoga — All Verses

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