Shloka 10
Kṛpa’s Archery Display; Śikhaṇḍin Checked; Suketu Slain; Dhṛṣṭadyumna–Kṛtavarmā Clash (कृपशौर्य–पार्षतहार्दिक्ययुद्धम्)
हितार्थ धार्तराष्ट्रस्य ब्रवीमि त्वां न हिंसया । श्रद्धस्वैवं मया प्रोक्तं यदि तेडस्ति जिजीविषा,दुर्योधनके हितके लिये ही मैं ऐसा कह रहा हूँ, हिंसाभावसे नहीं। यदि तुम्हें जीनेकी इच्छा है तो मेरे इस कथनपर विश्वास करो
hitārthaṃ dhārtarāṣṭrasya bravīmi tvāṃ na hiṃsayā | śraddhasvaivam mayā proktaṃ yadi te 'sti jijīviṣā ||
Śalya said: “I speak to you for the welfare of Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son, not out of any wish to harm. Trust what I have told you in this manner—if you still have the desire to live.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Śalya distinguishes truthful, corrective counsel from hostility: advice aimed at another’s welfare should be received with trust, especially in crisis. The verse highlights ethical intention—speaking for ‘hita’ (benefit) rather than ‘hiṃsā’ (harm)—as a key measure of speech.
In the Karṇa Parva, Śalya addresses Duryodhana in a tense wartime context. He frames his words as protective counsel for the Kaurava cause—specifically for Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son—and urges Duryodhana to believe him if he wishes to survive.