The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair

The listing continues: fathers-in-law (śvaśurān), well-wishers (suhṛdaḥ)—every relationship covered. Then the devastating phrase: 'sarvān bandhūn' (all kinsmen). Not some—ALL. No one on that battlefield stands outside Arjuna's web of connection. This shatters his worldview: he can't maintain 'our side' versus 'their side' when everyone belongs to him through some relationship. The verse teaches: when you truly see interconnection, the category of 'enemy' collapses. There are no 'others,' only people whose connection to you you've been ignoring.