~ Dedicated to H.D.G. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada and H.G. Gauranga Sundar Das Gurudev
The Bhagavad-gita, most widely read scripture spoken by The Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself finds its beginning from a fearful inquiry enclosed with anxiety.
Dhritrashtra inquires from his secretary Sanjaya, the student of Vyasa about the events unfolding on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Sanjaya could envision the battlefield by the mercy of his Spiritual master. He thus informed the king of the scenario. One may question, the two sides namely The Pandavas and The Kauravas are assembled on the Sacred place of Pilgrimage to fight the battle then what could be the significance of Dhritrashtra's inquiry.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: O Sañjaya, after assembling in the place of pilgrimage at Kurukṣetra, what did my sons and the sons of Pāṇḍu do, being desirous to fight? (Bhagavad-gītā 1.1, Translation)
Dhritrashtra's mind is disclosed herein. The Kauravas and The Pandavas both belong to the same family tree but the King delibrately used the words 'the sons of Pandu'. He aimed to eliminate the sons of Pandu from the family heritage.
The inquiry is significant as the upcoming conversation forms the basic principle for This Glorious literature, Bhagavad-gita As It Is. Dhritrashtra didn't want any kind of compromise on the Kauravas getting enthroned but at the same time he could feel his hairs standing on the ends. The King was fearful of the influence of Dharmakshetra on the battle. The Pandavas were Virtous since birth whereas the ways part for the Kauravas. The ritualistic place for sacrifices, Dharmakshetra is known to favour the devoted. This fact made Dhritrashtra's heart tremble. Srila Prabhupada gives an ideal example of unwanted weeds growing in the field. Unless the weeds are removed, fresh crops cannot be grown. Thus in order to re-establish religion the irreligious people like Dhritrashtra and his sons would be eradicated by The Lord.
All Glories to H.D.G. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada!
All Glories to H.G. Gauranga Sundar Das Gurudev!