PLATE FIVE
Five thousand years ago, on the sacred field of Kurukṣetra, in India, the greatest battle in history was about to take place. On one side stood the legions of Arjuna, the most valiant warrior of his day and the personal friend of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Opposite them stood the vast military array of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, usurper of the throne, and father of the evil Duryodhana. When Arjuna asked Kṛṣṇa to draw his chariot between the two armies, what Arjuna saw struck him with grief and paralyzed his will to fight: among his enemies were close friends, relatives, and teachers. Bemoaning his condition, Arjuna addressed his friend and charioteer: “My dear Kṛṣṇa, now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me clearly what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.” Then Lord Kṛṣṇa spoke the  Bhagavad-gītā  for Arjuna’s enlightenment. ( pp. 82–89 )