Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 22
Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Knowing Who You Face · Honesty Before the Storm

यावदेतान्निरीक्षेऽहं योद्धुकामानवस्थितान् । कैर्मया सह योद्धव्यमस्मिन् रणसमुद्यमे ।।22।।

yāvad etān nirīkṣe 'haṃ yoddhu-kāmān avasthitān kair mayā saha yoddhavyam asmin raṇa-samudyame

Meaning

"So that I may behold those assembled here, eager to fight, and with whom I must engage in this great battle."

Explanation

Arjuna wants to look his opponents in the eye before the fighting begins — a very human need to know who he faces.

Today's Life Lesson

It's natural to want to see clearly what you're up against before you act — give yourself that moment.

More verses to reflect on