Arjuna's enemies stronger

Our strength is immeasurable, and we are perfectly protected by Grandfather Bhīṣma, whereas the strength of the Pāṇḍavas, carefully protected by Bhīma, is limited.

Herein an estimation of comparative strength is made by Duryodhana. He thinks that the strength of his armed forces is immeasurable, being specifically protected by the most experienced general, Grandfather Bhisma. On the other hand, the forces of the Panḍavas are limited, being protected by a less experienced general, Bhima, who is like a fig in the presence of Bhisma. Duryodhana was always envious of Bhima because he knew perfectly well that if he should die at all, he would only be killed by Bhima. But at the same time, he was confident of his victory on account of the presence of Bhisma, who was a far superior general. His conclusion that he would come out of the battle victorious was well ascertained. (More...)

So in the tenth verse, Duryodhana makes his estimate: "Our strength is immeasurable, and we are perfectly protected by Grandfather Bhisma, whereas the strength of the Panḍavas, carefully protected by Bhima, is limited." These adjectives "immeasurable" and "limited" are very important. Like Mr. Worldly-minded, Duryodhana thinks that the outcome will be determined by the size of the forces involved. He sees that he has more men, a more experienced general, a superior phalanx arrangement, and greater military advisors. All these material calculations tell him "we will win," and so he is boasting that "our forces are immeasurable," whereas the Panḍavas appear to him to be "limited." Even before the Battle of Kuruksetra, this shortsighted materialistic vision of Duryodhana was revealed when he was given the choice of having Lord Krsna's soldiers or Krsna Himself on his side. Krsna had promised to give one side only Himself and the other side His thousands of men, horses and equipment. Duryodhana quickly grabbed the many men, but Arjuna, for the Panḍavas, desired only to have Lord Krsna drive his chariot. When the two sides, the Kurus and the Panḍavas, approached Lord Krsna for help, Duryodhana, counting numbers, said, "Give me Your forces," but the Panḍavas, knowing Lord Krsna to be the Supreme Person, said "Please be with us Yourself." So from the very beginning here we see that the atheists have no understanding of the person Krsna; they are more interested in His energy, or what He possesses and what He can bestow, than in Krsna Himself. But Arjuna knows Krsna, and he wants Him to be his chariot driver as well as his Lord and master. (More...)

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