Shloka 7
Adhyāya 108 — Nimitta-darśana and Drona’s counsel amid Arjuna’s advance (निमित्तदर्शनं द्रोणोपदेशश्च)
स एवमुक्त: समरे पुत्रो द:ःशासनस्तव । परिवार्य स्थितो भीष्म सैन्येन महता वृतः
sa evam uktaḥ samare putro duḥśāsanas tava | parivārya sthito bhīṣmaḥ sainyena mahatā vṛtaḥ | (pālayām āsa mahatā yatnena ca susaṃyataḥ) |
Sañjaya said: When this was said on the battlefield, your son Duḥśāsana stood surrounding Bhīṣma, encircled by a great host. With firm self-control and great effort, he kept watch to protect him.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid adharma-driven conflict, the epic highlights recognizable virtues—discipline, vigilance, and loyalty to one’s commander and elder. Yet it also invites ethical reflection: such virtues can be employed in service of a questionable cause, showing how dharma becomes complex in war.
After being addressed, Duḥśāsana positions himself around Bhīṣma with a large contingent, forming a protective ring. He remains alert and self-controlled, actively guarding Bhīṣma as the battle intensifies.