Chapter 1 ; Verse 10 ; Bhagavad Gita

TEXT 10

aparyaptam tad asmakam 
balam bhismabhiraksitam 
paryaptam tv idam etesam 
balam bhimabhiraksitam

SYNONYMS

aparyaptam--immeasurable; tat--that; asmakam--of ours; balam--strength; bhisma--by Grandfather Bhisma; abhiraksitam--perfectly protected; paryaptam--limited; tu--but; idam--all these; etesam--of the Pandavas; balam--strength; bhima--by Bhima; abhiraksitam--carefully protected.

TRANSLATION

Our strength is immeasurable, and we are perfectly protected by Grandfather Bhisma, whereas the strength of the Pandavas, carefully protected by Bhima, is limited.

PURPORT

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 Pandavas 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.