Book 1, Bhagavadgita: Chapter 1, The Distress of Arjuna Summary and Analysis

The poem is introduced by a scholarly editor. The form has been translated from Sanskrit and comes from poetry that has a tradition within Indian culture. This poem comes from one family story and is translated by an editor. Many names are mentioned. This is advantageous to genealogists or members of the tradition to whom these names hold special significance. The form is short lines. Rhyme and meter are the hardest challenges faced by those translating poetic verse.

The first entity referred to is a king or other very powerful man who is the audience. The next entity is the speaker. The audience requests that the other speak and tell of the events. The battlefield is described. The types of soldiers are presented. It becomes clear that some have...