1.21. Explanation – "O Achyuta, place my chariot between the two armies" – The two armies were standing facing each other to engage in battle. The distance between them was such that one army could shoot arrows and other weapons at the other. The midpoint between these two armies was central from two perspectives: (1) the midpoint of the width across which the armies were arrayed, and (2) the midpoint between the two armies, where the Kaurava army stood at the same distance as the Pandava army. Arjuna asks the Lord to station the chariot in such a midpoint so that both armies can be easily observed.
The phrase "between the two armies" appears three times in the Gita: here (1.21), in the twenty-fourth verse of this same chapter (1.24), and in the tenth verse of the second chapter (2.10). The significance of it appearing three times is that first, Arjuna, with valor, orders his chariot to be placed between the two armies (1.21). Then, the Lord, having placed the chariot between the two armies, instructs him to behold the Kurus (1.24). And finally, it is between the two armies that the Lord delivers the great teachings of the Gita to the grief-stricken Arjuna (2.10). Thus, initially Arjuna possessed valor; then, upon seeing his kinsmen, he became averse to fighting due to attachment; and in the end, he received the supreme teachings of the Gita from the Lord, which removed his delusion. This implies that wherever a person is situated and in whatever circumstances, remaining right there, one can utilize the prevailing situation properly, act without desire, and attain the Supreme. For the Supreme Lord remains ever the same in all circumstances.
"Until I observe these... in this martial endeavor" – For how long should the chariot be stationed between the two armies? Regarding this, Arjuna says, "Keep the chariot standing there until I have seen all those kings who have come desirous of war and are standing in the Kaurava army along with their forces. In this martial endeavor, with whom must I engage in battle? Let me see them all—who among them are equal to me in strength, who are inferior, and who are superior."
Here, by the word "those desirous of fighting," Arjuna is saying, "We had contemplated peace, but they did not accept the proposal for peace because their minds harbor a greater desire for war. Therefore, let me see them—with what strength do they cherish the desire to fight?"
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