Chapter 1 · Verse 20
अथ व्यवस्थितान् दृष्ट्वा धार्तराष्ट्रान्कपिध्वजः।
प्रवृत्ते शस्त्रसंपाते धनुरुद्यम्य पाण्डवः।।1.20।।
प्रवृत्ते शस्त्रसंपाते धनुरुद्यम्य पाण्डवः।।1.20।।
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Read & reflect
Bhagavad Gita
Explore the Sanskrit verses chapter by chapter. Read a passage in context, compare a named translation and take time with the questions it raises.
A simple way to read
Begin by identifying the speaker and the question being discussed. Read the preceding and following verses before lifting a sentence out of the conversation. Different translators and philosophical commentators can make different interpretive choices; note whose explanation you are following.
Keep three short notes: what the passage says, your interpretation and what remains unclear. A personal reflection can be valuable without being presented as the only meaning of the text.
For a starting point, read our introduction to chapter two or the guide to action and attachment to results.