Arjuna’s dilemma arises in the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita during the great Kurukshetra War. As he stands on the battlefield, ready to engage in battle against his own relatives, teachers, and friends, he is overcome with conflicting emotions. Faced with the moral and ethical implications of killing his kin, Arjuna is paralyzed by doubt and confusion about his duty as a warrior (Kshatriya).
He grapples with feelings of sorrow and compassion, questioning the righteousness of his actions. Arjuna ultimately fears the destruction that war will bring, not just to his family but to society as a whole. In this moment of crisis, he seeks guidance from Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and divine counsel. This internal struggle encapsulates the larger themes of duty (dharma), righteousness, and the nature of life and death that are explored throughout the text.