Karṇa’s Camp-Council Discourse: Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament, Sañjaya’s Counsel, and Karṇa’s Request for Śalya
Book 8, Chapter 22
ततस्तं निशितं खड्गमाविध्य युधि सत्वर: । धनुश्नान्यत् समादाय शरं जग्राह वीर्यवान्
tatastaṃ niśitaṃ khaḍgam āvidhya yudhi satvaraḥ | dhanuḥ anyat samādāya śaraṃ jagrāha vīryavān ||
قال سنجيا: ثم، مسرعًا في خضمّ القتال، لوّح ذلك البطل القوي بسيفه الحادّ؛ وأخذ قوسًا آخر، فقبض على سهم—مُظهرًا عزيمة لا تنكسر واستعدادًا لمواصلة القتال مهما تقلّبت أحوال الحرب.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness: even amid danger and rapid changes in combat, a warrior must remain composed, resourceful, and ready to act—switching weapons and continuing the struggle without hesitation.
In Sañjaya’s report of the battle, a valiant fighter quickly brandishes a sharp sword and then takes up another bow and an arrow, indicating an immediate tactical shift and continued engagement in the fight.