Gita 01.13 Actions that throw caution to the winds are preceded by caution

 

Audio link 1: Gita 01.13 Actions that throw caution to the winds are preceded by caution

 

tataḥ śaṅkhāś ca bheryaś ca

paṇavānaka-gomukhāḥ

sahasaivābhyahanyanta

sa śabdas tumulo ’bhavat 

 

Word-for-Word:

tataḥ — thereafter; śaṅkhāḥ — conchshells; ca — also; bheryaḥ — large drums; ca — and; paṇava-ānaka — small drums and kettledrums; go-mukhāḥ — horns; sahasā — all of a sudden; eva — certainly; abhyahanyanta — were simultaneously sounded; saḥ — that; śabdaḥ — combined sound; tumulaḥ — tumultuous; abhavat — became.

 

Translation:

After that, the conchshells, drums, bugles, trumpets and horns were all suddenly sounded, and the combined sound was tumultuous.

 

Explanation:

Here in this verse, the discussion transitions to action, serving as a prelude to the events about to unfold. Upon hearing Bhīṣma’s call for battle, everyone eagerly began playing various instruments, and their names are described:

tataḥ śaṅkhāś ca bheryaś ca : Thereafter, conchshells, large drums,

paṇavānaka-gomukhāḥ : small drums, kettle drums, and blowing horns

sahasaivābhyahanyanta : suddenly blared forth simultaneously—

sa śabdas tumulo ’bhavat : —and the resulting sound was tumultuous.

 

In ancient times, during the era of the Mahābhārata, war was viewed not merely as a brutal affair but also as a celebratory event. This celebratory aspect stemmed from the general belief that life continued after death. People practiced their dharma with devotion and confidence, understanding that even if they could not secure victory or save their lives, dying virtuously on the battlefield would ensure their ascent to heaven. With this perspective, wars often began in a spirit of celebration, resembling a sporting competition of skill and strength between two opposing armies.

 

Nowadays, major sporting events, such as the Indian Premier League of Cricket in India or the FIFA World Cup, often begin with a grand inaugural ceremony. Musicians, singers, actors, and other celebrities come together to perform, setting a celebratory tone for the event. The entire tournament, spanning 15 to 20 days, is viewed as a joyous occasion.

 

The idea is that we need to take deliberate steps to create the right atmosphere for an important event. Similarly, the blowing of conchshells, drums, kettle drums, bugles, trumpets, and horns served to set the tone, evoking a celebratory mood. This energized the participants, inspiring them to bring their full vigor and exuberance to the battlefield.

 

There are two extreme views of war. One is the romanticized conception, where an individual heroically stands against overwhelming odds, showcasing bravery and heroism. This is often depicted in Bollywood or Hollywood movies, where the action hero manages to dodge countless bullets and blows. Even when hit, they miraculously avoid serious injuries, only to rise again and triumph.

 

While such portrayals can be thrilling, they are far from realistic. In the harsh reality of day-to-day warfare, there is little to celebrate. War is marked by wounds, death, and brutal struggles, with far less glamor than the screen suggests.

 

While one perspective is the romanticized view of war—often portrayed in movies that center on seemingly infallible and immortal heroes—the other is a starkly negative view, seeing war as a brutal and ghastly event that brings out the worst in humanity and inflicts indescribable suffering on millions.

 

While it is true that war embodies these horrors, it also holds a different meaning for those fighting it—especially for individuals of a kṣatriya disposition. For them, war represents an exhilarating and life-threatening challenge, something they are driven to experience.

 

Even in today’s world, many people seek to live on the edge, finding delight in high-risk sports such as skydiving or base jumping from towering mountains. They pursue these activities to experience a sense of thrill and excitement.

 

The need for thrill varies from person to person. In some, it is a powerful driving force, while in others, it is so faint that it is almost nonexistent. Some people thrive on order and structure. For them, engaging in activities that are highly unpredictable and extremely dangerous might seem reckless or even suicidal.

 

However, it is worth noting that many organizations conducting life-threatening sports ensure stringent safety measures. For instance, when someone jumps from a helicopter, meticulous attention is given to every detail, such as the proper functioning of the parachute and other safety equipment, to minimize risks and protect the participant.

 

Even sporting activities that seem to throw caution to the wind are preceded by careful preparation. Similarly, the military formation in the Mahābhārata was meticulously planned. This is why Duryodhana was alarmed, or at least concerned, when he saw the Pāṇḍava military formation.

 

There was no reckless rush into battle with the assumption of victory. Instead, it was a result of determined, coordinated, and organized planning. However, once the war began, there was a certain thrill in the event. There was joy in advancing and carrying out what needed to be done. Therefore, the important thing is that we must take steps forward, one at a time, moving steadily and joyously toward fulfilling what we recognize as our need.

 

Here, the celebratory mood is set for all the martial soldiers, warriors, and generals who are about to fight this war. When Bhīṣma, the commander, blew his conch, everyone responded by blowing their own conches. This signaled that the war was about to begin. The conches were blown from the Kaurava side, and it is described that the result of their sound was ‘sa śabdas tumulo ’bhavat’—a tumultuous sound that filled the entire space and rose into the sky.

 

We will discuss the response from the Pāṇḍava side in the following verses.

 

Thank you.