Do not let fear become the narrator of facts.
Sanjaya narrates to King Dhritarashtra
धृष्टकेतुश्चेकितानः काशिराजश्च वीर्यवान्।पुरुजित्कुन्तिभोजश्च शैब्यश्च नरपुङ्गवः।।
dhṛṣṭaketuś cekitānaḥ kāśirājaś ca vīryavān purujit kuntibhojaś ca śaibyaś ca nara-puṅgavaḥ
Use this verse as a mental reset when worries multiply.
Meaning
Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, and the valiant king of Kashi are here; so are Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya, who is the finest among men.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Duryodhana continues counting capable warriors. Anxiety often multiplies facts into a chain of threats.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
The repetition of names is psychologically important. Duryodhana’s mind is occupied by the strength of others. One fact becomes a second, then a third, until the mind feels surrounded.
The Gita does not ask us to ignore reality; it asks us not to let fear narrate reality. A calm mind says, 'These are the facts; now what is my dharma?' An anxious mind says, 'These are threats; how will I survive?'
Read the traditional commentary
The roll-call of Pandava allies continues, each name representing a kingdom, an alliance, and a warrior of renown. Duryodhana's enumeration of these names shows his thorough military intelligence, yet the very thoroughness becomes a measure of his apprehension. He is not the confident aggressor he wishes to appear — he is a man nervously taking stock of what stands against him.
These verses collectively remind us that no significant endeavour is undertaken alone. Both sides on Kurukshetra drew upon networks of relationships, old loyalties, and forged alliances. The quality and character of those alliances often determined the outcome — not just in war but in every collective human effort.
On a practical level, when we undertake a major challenge in life — a new venture, a difficult reform, a creative project — it is worth honestly assessing who stands with us and who stands against us. But that assessment should serve preparation, not become a reason for paralysis or despair.
In daily life
Separate facts from the fear-story before taking action.
Before a presentation, the fact may be 'I have to speak for 20 minutes'; the fear-story says 'Everyone will judge me.'
Try this today
Make two columns: facts and fear-story. Act only from the facts column.
I see reality clearly and act from dharma, not fear.Reflect
What story is my fear adding to the facts?
Private — only you can see this
Quick check
What does ‘नरपुङ्गवः’ mean in this verse?
The Gita on war, in other chapters
- Verse 11.26 · ArjunaEven those we love most are held within the Divine's vast unfolding, far beyond our hands to save or destroy.
- Verse 2.2Recognize when what feels like compassion is actually ego-driven weakness, and choose clarity over comfortable inaction.
- Verse 3.1 · ArjunaWhen spiritual ideals seem to clash with hard duties, bring the confusion into the open rather than using it as an excuse to retreat.
- Verse 4.13The divine creates the whole moving world yet remains untouched by it — the model for acting fully while staying inwardly free.
Swipe left for 1.6 · Inner steadiness matters more than external comparison.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 1.5
Who says Bhagavad Gita 1.5, and to whom?
Sanjaya narrates to King Dhritarashtra in verse 1.5, in Chapter 1, Arjuna's Dilemma (Arjuna Vishada Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 1.5 mean?
Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, and the valiant king of Kashi are here; so are Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya, who is the finest among men. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 1.5 for daily life?
Separate facts from the fear-story before taking action. Before a presentation, the fact may be 'I have to speak for 20 minutes'; the fear-story says 'Everyone will judge me.'
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 1.5 mean?
धृष्टकेतुः — Dhrishtaketu; चेकितानः — Chekitana; काशिराजः — the King of Kashi; वीर्यवान् — full of valour; पुरुजित् — Purujit.
Where does verse 1.5 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 5 of 47 in Chapter 1, Arjuna's Dilemma. The next verse is 1.6.