The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair

Sanjaya narrates this climactic moment to King Dhritarashtra. 'Evam uktvā'—having spoken all his reasoning. 'Visṛjya sa-śaraṁ cāpam'—casting aside bow and arrows, physical manifestation of complete surrender. 'Rathopastha upāviśat'—sat down on the chariot. He's done, won't fight. 'Śoka-saṁvigna-mānasaḥ'—mind overwhelmed with grief. This isn't confusion or ignorance—it's moral paralysis from seeing too clearly without a framework for right action. Arjuna has thought deeply, reasoned thoroughly, and arrived at complete inability to act. Chapter 1 ends here. The entire Gita is Krishna's response to this moment: when intelligence and moral sensitivity lead to paralysis, you need teaching beyond your own reasoning.