Verse 1.28: Arjuna said: My dear Kṛṣṇa, seeing my friends and relatives present before me in such a fighting spirit, I feel the limbs of my body quivering and my mouth drying up.
Imagine that someone had wronged you your entire life. They always laughed when you fell, insulted you behind your back, went out of their way to make your life miserable and tried to harm those you cared about and were responsible for. Finally, imagine that although they were totally unqualified to be a leader, they assumed such a position through cheating and trickery.
Imagine that despite all your efforts to make peace, they rebuff you again and again. They want a fight and will stand for nothing less. Now the kicker - think about how you would feel if that person was a close family member.
This is the position Arjuna is finding himself in. As a leader and administrator he needs to protect those who are being exploited and that has led him here; to this moment.
As an advanced bhakti yogi who is naturally soft-hearted, what does he think of at this moment? He's not thinking about all the abominable and cruel things that have been done to his loved ones and dependents. No. Instead he is overcome with compassion for those who have wronged him.
This is the great quality of an advanced bhakti practitioner. Such a person can see all perspectives, not only his/her personal one.
Try remembering Arjuna expressing his compassion the next time you feel insulted or wronged by someone. You might find yourself reacting differently than you normally would.
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