Bhagwad Gita is life transforming and logical inspiration that converts despondence into a state of bliss. Arjuna is the representative of mankind to convey these inspirations and divine message of God to all and this is how first chapter starts

(The Yoga of Arjun's Grief)

Our Salutations to the Lord Shri Krishna who is like the Kalpavriksha (an imaginary tree which fulfils all desires), holding in His hands the reins and whip which maintain restraint and discipline, endowed with poise of knowledge and the one who milks the nectar of Gita.

Shrimad Bhagvad Gita

The divine song sung by the Blessed Lord Through the sound of the flute, pouring the notes of divine love and creating an atmosphere of love, well being, delivering a melodious message, Shri Krishna of Mahabharta war appears to be singing the wonderful sublime song of enlightenment and awareness. Whose is this divine song? For whom and why? Supreme free Master, Supreme source of bliss, not even a trace of selfishness, no giving and taking. Then what was the necessity of singing this divine song? Well, this is the bliss and wonder as well. Wherever there is selfishness, there will be dearth of bliss. How can there be the feeling of the welfare of others or how can one feel the pain of others as one's own. There, one will be concerned about oneself and ones affairs; self-interest will be in the forefront. The Gita is, therefore, the divine means for eliminating all sorrows it is extremely generous and a universal divine song because its background is connected to a great and philanthropic objective, where there is no trace of selfishness.

Arjun Vishaad Yoga (The Yoga of Arjun's Grief) In Itself a Surprise

The Gita begins with the Yoga of Arjun's grief. This is startling for most thinkers of the world. 'Vishaad' i. e. grief and 'Yoga' i. e. union with the Lord-are invariably two different streams. Grief shatters the mind whereas here being used with Yoga the implication means to unite. This is rare indeed!! This divine and beautiful begining makes it unique and in the context of the world literature, a different and extremely exalted status. Arjun was grieved, but even in grief it is pleasing that he directed his grief not towards the world but associated it with the Supreme Shri Krishna. This is the Gita's Chapter—1 14 Bhagvad Gita unique universal preliminary inspiration. In this, Arjun becomes an instrument. The sermon is not just for Arjun. Arjun has just been made a representative. Arjun is Lord Shri Krishna's constant companion. Lord Shri Krishna is Narayan (God); then Arjun is Nar (human). Lord Shri Krishna Himself through the medium of Sanjay sends across the message for the Kauravas, Dhritrashtra, etc.–the soul of Krishna is Arjun and the soul of Arjun is Krishna.

Not only this, He has categorically stated to Arjun that the Kauravas by showing aversion and enmity towards him are actually showing aversion for the Lord Himself, and whoever follows you, is, in fact following me.

Grief/Dejection is in itself a malady–mental disease! The song in the form of the Gita is a sure, infallible remedy for this malady! This disease is not just that of Arjun but universal. The remedy is not available with the world. The world is the very cause of this disease in the form of grief. Remedy is available with Shri Krishna. Therefore by becoming the charioteer of Arjun's chariot and taking reins and whip of the horses in his hands, finding Arjun in grief, took the poise of knowledge and taking the reins of restraint and discipline sang the Divine song of peace, bliss and carefreeness in the tension-ridden atmosphere of Mahabharata war—the name of which is the Bhagvad Gita! 

Somebody or others, all are seen to be subject to delusion, sorrow and grief. In this, there is no question of caste, clan, class, creed, sect and place. The medicine of the doctor has no relation to the limitations of caste, place, etc. It is the remedy for the disease. That is why the Gita is the universal inspiration, because it is the remedy for the malady.

Let us take ourselves for a few moments towards the background. Dhritrashtra's infatuation for his son, blindness (external and internal also) short, sightedness, and Duryodhan's obstinacy have taken the shape of Mahabharata war. Nobody's logic, wisdom or inspiration worked. This, in fact, works in case of those who are willing to accept and understand. Before the obstinate, arrogant person nobody's preachings or inspirations have any effect. Once Duryodhana comes to know that Arjun is approaching Shri Krishna, he seizing the opportunity reaches Shri Krishna prior to Arjun. The Supreme Lord is in His play! He is in the state of taking a rest! On seeing this Duryodhana takes his seat on the side of the head-rest of the bed, which shows the natural tendency of an arrogant person! 

After some moments Arjun also reaches the same place with a feeling of humility! He sits near the feet of the Blessed Lord. The Blessed Lord on opening His eyes saw Arjun in front of Him. It is natural that the sight will go towards the feet when one wakes up. Duryodhan requested the Lord to be on the side of the Kauravs in the war. He reasoned that since he had come to the Lord earlier than Arjun, his right to request should get priority. But the Lord, since he saw Arjun first, stated that Arjun had the right to ask first. He gave two options, one: I will be unarmed with a vow not to fight on one side and second: on the other side will be my army.

You are my choice

Arjun's demand is–that I want you and you alone. Duryodhan became happy. He thought that in any case he would not have asked for an unarmed Krishna. Duryodhan on getting the army and arms, was pleased and went away. "Jo hai Jako Bhavita so tahin ke pas" whatever one prefers, one gets that. 

The Lord asked Arjun, Why did you ask for Me? What will you do with Me? Arjun said, "I will make you the charioteer of my chariot. All the responsibility for victory or defeat in the war will be yours." The governor of all the three worlds accepted to become the charioteer of Arjun's chariot and to hold the reins of the horses in His hands. The Lord got an additional title–"Parth Sarthi" Arjun's charioteer. Both the situations are before us. The Lord Himself and His world. What is our choice? This is to be reflected upon. Whether our happiness lies with the proximity of the Lord or the prosperity of the world. 

One More State

For understanding the Gita, it is necessary to have clarity and understanding of one more situation. It was certain that the war would be fought. After the step of providing assistance was over, Shri Krishna Himself went as the peace ambassador to Duryodhan. He presents one more glorious example of liberality. Duryodhana did not agree. He said that he would not part with even the land equivalent to the tip of a needle to the Pandavas without the war. Where was the option then? At this point of time the great seer Vyas came to Dhritrashtra. He put forward the proposal of providing Dhritrashtra with divine eyes so that the blind Dhritrashtra might watch Mahabharata War directly. Dhritrashtra responded that while he was alive, he could not see his sons. Why should he see them dying after obtaining divine sight. Vyas ji on the request of Dhritrashtra gave the divine vision to his charioteer Sanjay. 

On the conclusion of the tenth day of the war when Grandsire Bhishma fell down in an unconscious state then Sanjay came to Dhritrashtra. He gave the description of the war and also the news of the fall of Grandsire Bhishma. On hearing this, overcome with grief, Dhritrashtra desired to know the full description of the war. From here started the twenty-fifth chapter of Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. This is the begining of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. Dhritrashtra enquires from Sanjay–