The Gita’s starting and ending usage of Partha  – In Krishna’s first and last words in the Bhagavad-gita, he addresses Arjuna as Partha. Let’s explore the significance of these usages by analyzing Arjuna’s epithet.

Partha: It is a matronymic that refers to Arjuna as the son of Prutha, also known as Kunti. Kunti herself was a great devotee who saw material adversities as spiritual opportunities. In fact, she famously prayed for repeated reversals, convinced that these would impel her to seek and gain the devotional vision to behold Krishna constantly (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.25). In offering such a counter-conventional prayer, she exhibits the highest level of the eyes of knowledge, jnana-chakshu. Pertinently, the Gita too intends to provide jnana-chakshu (15.11), by which to see beyond the material to the spiritual, culminating in the ultimate spiritual reality, Krishna.

Starting usage (01.25): After Krishna took Arjuna’s chariot between the two armies, he refers to Arjuna as Partha while urging him to behold the opposing army. This usage suggests an inquiry: could Arjuna observe the Kurukshetra battlefield with the eyes of knowledge that behooved the son of Prutha?

Concluding usage (18.72): In his last words in the Gita, Krishna again refers to Arjuna as Partha, asking him whether his illusion has been dispelled. This usage suggests the inquiry: has hearing the Gita provided Arjuna with the vision worthy of his illustrious mother? And Arjuna’s reply (18.73) conveys a resounding yes.

Amid difficulties, we often seek to observe, analyze and resolve by our own means, as Arjuna tried. And Krishna lets us do as we desire. But just as Krishna illumined Arjuna, he is ready to illumine us too with Gita wisdom, thereby equipping us to act more wisely.

One-sentence summary:

Amid problems, see not just with the eyes of flesh, but with the Gita’s eyes of knowledge.

Think it over:

  • What does the Gita’s starting usage of Partha suggest?
  • What does the Gita’s concluding usage of Partha suggest?
  • How can we face difficulties more wisely?

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01.25: In the presence of Bhishma, Droṇa and all the other chieftains of the world, the Lord said, “Just behold, Partha, all the Kurus assembled here.”

The Gita’s starting and ending usage of Partha

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