Shloka 27
काकोपमोपदेशः
The Crow-and-Swan Exemplum as Counsel to Karṇa
दुर्योधनं समुद्दिश्य बाणं जग्राह सत्वर: । समाधत्त च तं बाणं धनुर्मध्ये महाबल:
duryodhanaṃ samuddiśya bāṇaṃ jagrāha satvaraḥ | samādhatta ca taṃ bāṇaṃ dhanur-madhye mahābalaḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: Auf Duryodhana zielend, ergriff der mächtige Krieger eilends einen Pfeil und legte ihn fest in die Mitte seines Bogens—ein Akt entschlossener Gegenwehr inmitten der harten Ethik der Schlachtpflicht, in der man Verwundung mit disziplinierter Absicht beantwortet, nicht mit Panik.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in violent conflict, the verse highlights disciplined intention: action is taken with focus and steadiness (aiming, taking, and setting the arrow) rather than with confusion—reflecting the warrior’s code where resolve and control govern response.
Sañjaya describes a warrior (contextually, a mighty fighter) aiming at Duryodhana, quickly taking an arrow, and placing it on the bow—signaling an imminent shot and a decisive turn in the exchange of attacks.