Body in full alarm

sīdanti mama gātrāṇi mukhaṃ ca pariśuṣyativepathuśca śarīre me romaharṣaśca jāyate

My limbs are failing, my mouth is dry, my body is trembling, and my hair stands on end.

What it means

Arjuna describes what is happening to him. His legs give way. His mouth dries up. He shakes. His skin prickles. Three thousand years ago, the Gita describes a panic response with startling precision. The greatest warrior of his age is having an anxiety attack.

The story

Krishna listens without interrupting. He does not tell Arjuna to toughen up. The Gita takes this moment seriously. Its answer will come, but first Arjuna is allowed to say exactly how bad it feels.

In your life

Picture someone about to give a eulogy, hands shaking, mouth like sand. That's the body doing its job, not a failure. When it happens, name what you feel, slow your breath, and let someone stay close.