Shloka 2
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 72 — Bhīmasena’s counsel on conciliation and Duryodhana’s disposition
तव धर्मश्रिता बुद्धिस्तेषां वैराश्रया मति: । यदयुद्धेन लभ्येत तत् ते बहुमतं भवेत्
tava dharmaśritā buddhis teṣāṃ vairāśrayā matiḥ | yad ayuddhena labhyeta tat te bahumataṃ bhavet ||
Dein Verstand ruht im Dharma, während ihr Denken in Feindschaft Zuflucht nimmt. Was immer ohne Rückgriff auf Krieg zu erlangen wäre—das allein gälte dir als das Wertvollste.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral contrast: a dharma-rooted intellect values outcomes achieved without violence, whereas an enmity-rooted mindset tends toward conflict. It frames non-war gains as ethically superior when they can secure rightful aims.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war negotiations, the speaker addresses Yudhiṣṭhira, characterizing him as peace-inclined and dharma-guided, while portraying the opposing side as driven by hostility—setting the ethical tone for attempts to avoid war.