21. hrsikesam tada vakyam
idam aha mahipate
senayor ubhayor madhye
ratham sthapaya me 'cyuta
(21) And, 0 Lord of earth, he spoke this word to Hrsikesa (Krsna): Draw up my chariot, 0 Acyuta (Kra), between the two armies.
- Acyuta
- immovable is another name for Krsna[1]
22 yavad eta nirike 'ham
yoddhukaman avasthitan
kair mays saha yoddhavyam
asmin ranasamudyame
(22) So that I may observe these men standing, eager for battle, with whom I have to contend in this strife of war.
23. yotsyamanan avekse 'ham
ya ete 'tra samagatah
dhartarastrasya durbuddher
yuddhe priyacikirsavah
(23) I wish to look at those who are assembled here, ready to fight and eager to achieve in battle what is dear to the evil-minded son of Dhrtarastra. VAll the preparations for war are ready. That very morning, Yudhisthira looks at the impenetrable formation organized by Bhisma. Trembling with fear, he tells Arjuna, "How can victory be ours in the face of such an army ?"[2] Arjuna encourages his brother by quoting an ancient verse, "they, that are desirous of victory, conquer not so much by might and prowess as by truth, compassion, piety and virtue. Victory is certain to be where Krsna is.... Victory is one of his attributes, so also is humility. "[3] Krsna advises Arjuna to purify himself and pray to Durga for success. Arjuna descends from his chariot and chants a hymn in praise of the Goddess. Pleased with his devotion, She blesses Arjuna: "0 Son of Pandu, you will vanquish your enemy in no time. You have Narayana Himself to help you." And yet, as a man of action, Arjuna did not think out the implications of his enterprise. The presence of his teacher, the consciousness of the Divine, helps him to realize that the enemies he has to fight are dear and sacred to him. He has to cut social ties for the protection of justice and the suppression of lawless violence.
The establishment of the kingdom of God on earth is a co-operative enterprise between God and man. Man is a co-sharer in the work of creation.
