Bhagavad Gita

Blindness and sight are important symbols when discussing the search for enlightenment. The ability to see represents the ability to understand Krishna’s teachings. The more a person sees, the more likely they are to dedicate themselves to Krishna and achieve enlightenment. Arjuna and Dhritarashtra operate as opposites in this respect. One is blind, and the other is taught to see more than anyone else.

Dhritarashtra is the blind king who cannot see the world as it is. He relies on Sanjaya to tell him about events that pose an existential threat to his rule. He listens to the story about the battle and the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, but there is no hope that Dhritarashtra can see events for himself. He is severed from understanding. He cannot truly comprehend Krishna’s lessons because he relies on Sanjaya to filter the information back to him. Where Arjuna hears about theology firsthand from a god, Dhritarashtra cannot see reality as it truly exists and must depend on other men for interpretation and explanation. Dhritarashtra’s existence is dark and hidden. He cannot hope to understand reality because his blindness prevents him from understanding the full scope of the world.