Shloka 18
आचार्य-क्षमा, देśa–kāla-नīti, तथा भेद-दोषः
Teacher-Reconciliation, Timing-Policy, and the Fault of Factionalism
व्याकुलाश्न दिश: सर्वा हृदयं व्यथतीव मे । ध्वजेन पिहिता: सर्वा दिशो न प्रतिभान्ति मे
uttara uvāca | vyākulāś ca diśaḥ sarvā hṛdayaṃ vyathatīva me | dhvajena pihitāḥ sarvā diśo na pratibhānti me ||
Uttara sagte: „Alle Himmelsrichtungen scheinen in Verwirrung geraten, und mein Herz fühlt sich an, als litte es Schmerz. Dieses Banner hat jeden Quadranten bedeckt; ich kann die Richtungen nicht mehr erkennen.“
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear and agitation can distort perception: when the mind is overwhelmed, even basic orientation and clarity are lost. It sets up the ethical contrast between panic and the steadiness expected of a kṣatriya in a moment of duty.
Prince Uttara, riding out toward battle, becomes frightened and disoriented. He says that the chariot’s banner seems to cover all directions and that his heart aches—an expression of his panic as he faces the impending conflict.