The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair

Arjuna's chariot reaches the battlefield—and abstraction shatters. He sees pitṝn (fathers), pitāmahān (grandfathers), ācāryān (teachers), mātulān (uncles), bhrātṝn (brothers), putrān (sons), pautrān (grandsons), sakhīn (friends). Not 'the enemy' or 'opposing forces'—specific people in relationships. The verse systematically lists every relationship type because this is how reality works: abstract policies hit real faces. It's easy to hold strong views about 'issues' until the issue has your father's face, your teacher's voice, your friend's name.