Sutra 18
Devanagari script
विपर्यये विक्रमेण संधिमपसारं वा लिप्सेत ॥ कZ_०७.१५.१८ ॥
Transliteration
viparyaye vikrameṇa saṃdhim apasāraṃ vā lipseta
Translation
When circumstances turn adverse, one should, through energetic initiative, seek either a treaty or a strategic withdrawal.
Word by Word
विपर्ययेin an adverse reversal / when circumstances turn contrary
विपर्यये:
TypeNoun
Rootविपर्यय
Formपुंलिङ्ग; सप्तमी-एकवचन; (सप्तमी-तत्काल/अवस्थासूचक) ‘विपर्यये’ = विपर्यय-अवस्थायाम्
विक्रमेणby force/valor; through a bold military move
विक्रमेण:
TypeNoun
Rootविक्रम
Formपुंलिङ्ग; तृतीया-एकवचन; करण-कारक (उपाय/साधन)
सन्धिम्a treaty / peace-compact
सन्धिम्:
TypeNoun
Rootसन्धि
Formपुंलिङ्ग; द्वितीया-एकवचन; कर्म-कारक
अपसारम्withdrawal; retreat
अपसारम्:
TypeNoun
Rootअपसार
Formपुंलिङ्ग; द्वितीया-एकवचन; कर्म-कारक; ‘वा’ के साथ विकल्प
वाor
वा:
TypeParticle
Rootवा
Formअव्यय; विकल्पार्थक (either/or)
लिप्सेतshould seek/aim to obtain (should try to secure)
लिप्सेत:
TypeVerb
Rootलभ्
Formविधिलिङ् (optative); परस्मैपद; प्रथम-पुरुष; एकवचन; आत्मनेपद-रूप ‘लिप्सेत’ = desiderative (सन्नन्त) आधार: लभ् → लिप्स्; अर्थ: ‘प्राप्तुम् इच्छेत्’
FAQs
Both are de-escalatory instruments to preserve state capacity when the balance of power shifts unfavorably—either by agreement or by repositioning.