Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 7 (BG 1.7) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

Addressing his Teacher Drona as "foremost of the twice-born," Duryodhana proceeds to recite the names of the principal and valiant warriors arrayed in his army. Just as a cowardly man whistles or hums in the darkness to dispel the fear that grips him, so too was Duryodhana's condition. Tormented by the weight of his own transgression, the tyrant's mind was fragmenting. Though his forces were equipped with capable and courageous warriors, the sight of the opposing heroes filled him with dread. Thus he sought to hear words of encouragement from his Teacher's lips. Yet when he approached the Acharya, the Teacher remained calm and silent. Therefore, to rekindle his flagging resolve, Duryodhana began to enumerate the names of his army's foremost warriors. It is natural that a person burdened by the weight of guilt, lacking moral fortitude, forgets the bounds of propriety in discourse and speaks excessively. In such moments of mental turmoil, a person's true nature is revealed. Here, Duryodhana addresses his Teacher as "foremost of the twice-born." The Brahmin is called "twice-born" because of the development of inner knowledge. When a human being is born from the mother's womb, lacking all refinement, he is but animal-like in nature. Through discipline and study, he becomes an educated and cultured person. This is regarded as his second birth—such is the meaning of the term "twice-born." Drona was born into a Brahmin family and naturally possessed the noble qualities of a tender heart and such virtues. Among the Pandava forces were his own beloved students. Knowing all this, the cunning yet shameless Duryodhana began to doubt even his Teacher's impartiality. When our purposes are steeped in sin and deceit, we begin to imagine those same vices in those around us and under our command.