Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 27
Chapter 1 · Arjuna Vishada Yoga

Compassion's Weight · When the Heart Overwhelms

तान्समीक्ष्य स कौन्तेयः सर्वान्बन्धूनवस्थितान् । कृपया परयाविष्टो विषीदन्निदमब्रवीत् ।।27।।

tān samīkṣya sa kaunteyaḥ sarvān bandhūn avasthitān kṛpayā parayāviṣṭo viṣīdann idam abravīt

Meaning

"Seeing all these kinsmen present, Arjuna, the son of Kunti, overwhelmed with deep compassion, spoke in sorrow."

Explanation

Arjuna's warrior resolve crumbles as compassion overtakes him, setting the stage for his coming lament.

Today's Life Lesson

It's alright for compassion to shake your certainty for a moment — it means your heart is still open.

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