Shloka 42
Adhyāya 113: Karṇa–Bhīma Śaravarṣa and the Battlefield Aftermath (कर्णभीमशरवर्षः)
आत्मसंरक्षणं संख्ये गमन॑ चार्जुनं प्रति । विचार्यतत् स्वयं बुद्धया गमनं तत्र रोचय
ātmasaṁrakṣaṇaṁ saṅkhye gamanaṁ cārjunaṁ prati | vicārya tat svayaṁ buddhyā gamanaṁ tatra rocaya ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Consider, with your own discernment, what course best serves self-preservation in this battle—and also the course of going toward Arjuna. Having reflected, choose the going that seems right there.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes prudent discernment in crisis: one should weigh self-preservation and strategic movement, then decide with one’s own buddhi (judgment) rather than acting impulsively.
In the midst of the Drona Parva battle context, Yudhiṣṭhira addresses another party with counsel to deliberate: consider survival and the option of moving toward Arjuna, and then choose the most fitting course.